On November 12, a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker conducted an in-flight refueling of a Royal Malaysian Air Force Su-30MKM fighter for the first time, marking a milestone in military cooperation and the interoperability of defense systems from different origins.
This refueling exercise, which involved three Su-30MKM fighters, aimed to enhance integrated capabilities and establish new training opportunities between the U.S. and Malaysia, aligning strategic interests in the region. Malaysia, a pioneer in Southeast Asia in acquiring Russian fighters with its purchase of MiG-29Ns in 1995 and Su-30MKMs in 2007, now plans to maintain this fleet until 2035, underscoring the importance of long-term collaboration.
Since 2017, the U.S. and Malaysia have strengthened their relationship through defense exercises and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of shared capabilities and technical knowledge. This relationship translates into practical collaboration, enhancing both nations’ abilities to face common challenges in the Indo-Pacific and reinforcing regional ties through joint operations and interoperability practices.
MPRS: A KC-135 Refueling System
For this mission, the KC-135 utilized the Multi-Point Refueling System (MPRS), equipped with refueling pods at each wingtip that enable compatibility with a variety of aircraft, including those of the Navy and foreign allies. This system extends the U.S. capacity to operate with multiple partners, facilitating multinational maneuvers and operations.
As a precedent for this event by other nations, in 2019, a French Air Force KC-135R conducted similar operations with an Indian Su-30MKI. However, analysts note that this recent event on November 12 marks a turning point for future capabilities in potential crisis scenarios.
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