India, Australia ink agreement on air-to-air fuelling of aircrafts
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New Delhi: India and Australia inked an agreement to enable the airforces’ of both friendly nations to conduct air-to-air refuelling. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy MP announced the arrangement during a bilateral discussion on Thursday. Enabling India’s armed forces and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to do so is expected to enhance interoperability between the nations, NDTV reported.
The mode of air-to-air refuelling is a great help in lengthening the range of fighter jets as well as other military aircraft, backing them in conducting operations far away from their base.
The new agreement will allow RAAF's air-to-air refuelling aircraft, the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport, to refuel Indian armed forces’ aircraft.
A statement said that Australian Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds signed the arrangement on November 19 in New at the Indai-Australia Air Staff Talks.
Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds welcomed the arrangement, saying it strengthens the defence relationship between Australia and India.
Welcoming the arrangement, Reynolds said that it strengthens the defence relationship between India and Australia. He said that India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, they are continuing to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability.
He added that the ability to conduct air-to-air refuelling with the Indian Armed Forces elevates their interoperability and enables them to cooperate more effectively in a range of different scenarios. This arrangement is a significant step forward in Australia’s relationship with India and will provide valuable opportunities for their personnel to work closely together, share knowledge and expertise, and build trust and understanding.