RAF Voyager Refuels Qatar's Rafale Fighter Jets Mid-Air for the First Time

Aerial refueling is essential for military aircraft because it allows fighter jets to get fuel from tankers mid-air. Not only this helps aircraft remain in the air for much longer and extend their range, but it also saves air forces precious time that would've been otherwise spent on refueling stops.

Air refueling has been practiced since the '20s, and it's something that's constantly being improved by the military forces. Last month, the RAF announced that the A400M Atlas demonstrated an air-to-air refueling capability for the first time.

The Atlas received fuel from a Voyager tanker at that time, which allowed the transport aircraft to reach further than ever. Now, the same tanker was put to work in Qatar. During a joint exercise with the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Voyager from 83 Expeditionary Air Group refueled for the first time Rafale fighter jets.

Exercise GALWAY was the latest bilateral training activity involving the RAF and the Qatar Emiri Air Force. The deployment of the Voyager offered a great training opportunity for both air forces, improving their interoperability.

This joint operational training aims to improve Qatar's Rafales capabilities for air refueling, and it also strengthens the RAF's role as a key ally. It also showcases the 83 Expeditionary Air Group's ability to successfully conduct such operations across the Broader Middle East.

"We have had some fantastic moments this week, with the Rafale pilots integrating and debriefing with our crews understanding how well they've done in the air and developing their capability as air-to-air refuelling receivers has been a great opportunity," said UK Detachment Commander squadron leader Prager.