Australia and India have reached a significant milestone in defence cooperation, with both nations signing an agreement that allows the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces to conduct air-to-air refuelling. The arrangement was announced on 21 November during bilateral talks between Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Pat Conroy MP, alongside the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting in Laos.
Under the agreement, RAAF’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft will be able to refuel Indian military aircraft, enhancing operational flexibility and joint capabilities. The arrangement was formalized on 19 November in New Delhi during the Australia-India Air Staff Talks. Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, Deputy Chief of the Air Force, signed on behalf of Australia, stated the Australian Defence Ministry statement.
Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds emphasized the importance of the new agreement, highlighting its role in strengthening defence ties between Australia and India.
Glad to have met the Australian Defence Minister Mr. Pat Conroy on the sidelines of ADMM Plus. Our defence partnership has achieved significant milestones in the recent years. We look forward to take our defence engagements to a higher level. pic.twitter.com/l966DxlZ9i
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 21, 2024
“India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we continue to prioritize cooperation that bolsters Indo-Pacific stability,” he said.
“The ability to conduct air-to-air refuelling with the Indian Armed Forces elevates our interoperability and enables us to cooperate more effectively in a range of different scenarios,” Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds said.
“This arrangement is a significant step forward in our relationship with India, and will provide valuable opportunities for our personnel to work closely together, share knowledge and expertise, and build trust and understanding,” he added further.
In addition to air-to-air refuelling, the RAAF also engages in joint training activities with the Indian Navy, specifically involving the P-8I Neptune maritime surveillance aircraft. The signing of this arrangement paves the way for the KC-30A to refuel the P-8I, expanding India’s operational reach and persistence throughout the Indo-Pacific region, the statement noted.
Team BharatShakti
