Australia and India take defence ties to a higher level with air-to-air refuelling pact

Australia and India have signed a groundbreaking arrangement enabling the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces to conduct air-to-air refuelling, marking a new chapter in their defence partnership.

The agreement, announced on 21 November by Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy MP, and India’s Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, underscores the deepening strategic relationship between the two nations.

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

On social media platform X, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared his optimism:

“Our defence partnership has achieved significant milestones in recent years. We look forward to taking our defence engagements to a higher level.”

Under the pact, the RAAF’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft will be authorised to refuel Indian Armed Forces aircraft, enhancing operational flexibility and interoperability.

Hello Australia!#IAF contingent has reached Australia for participating in Ex Pitch Black 24, hosted by Australian Air Force from 12 Jul to 02 Aug. The exercise involves participation of 140 aircraft from various air forces including Su-30MKI, C-17, C-130 & IL-78 aircraft from… pic.twitter.com/04262nKqna

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 12, 2024

Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, AM, signed the arrangement on 19 November during the Australia-India Air Staff Talks in New Delhi. He praised the initiative, stating it strengthens defence ties and contributes to Indo-Pacific stability.

“India is a top-tier security partner for Australia,” said Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds.

“This arrangement elevates our interoperability and enables effective cooperation across a range of scenarios. It’s a significant step forward, fostering collaboration, trust, and shared expertise between our personnel.”

The RAAF has also been conducting joint training with the Indian Navy’s P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft. This arrangement is expected to pave the way for the KC-30A to refuel the P-8I, boosting India’s reach and operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The pact is set to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India, prioritising practical cooperation for regional stability.

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