WATCH: In a first, the French Air Force refuels India's Su-30 mid-air

New Delhi, Aug 19: Strengthening Indo-French ties, Indian Air Force Su-30 KMI fighter jets were refuelled mid-air by the French Air and Space Force.

 

French A330 Phénix deployed at Amberley Base for Pitch Black 2022 refuelled Sukhoi jets before their landing at Darwin base. This is for the first time that France has supported India during one of its projection interoperability.

 

 

Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India said, "A French Air Force A330 Phénix, deployed for #PitchBlack2022 in Amberley 🇦🇺, refuelled IAF Sukhoi SU-30s ahead of their touchdown in Darwin. This is the first time that 🇫🇷 has refuelled 🇮🇳 jets in flight during their projection."

 

Thanking France, IAF tweeted, "As the #IAF contingent moves into #RAAF Darwin base for #ExPitchBlack22, heartfelt thanks to our friends from the French Air & Space Force for the enroute aerial refuelling support. Merci beaucoup!"

 

 

 

Notably, the IAF contingent is heading towards the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Darwin base to take part in the military exercise, Pitch Black 2022.

 

 

An Australian readout said about 100 aircraft and 2,500 military personnel from 17 countries including India, France, Japan, and the United States will arrive in the Northern Territory in the country to commence Pitch Black 2022 (PBK22).

 

With a four-year hiatus since the last edition of Pitch Black due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's exercise will see a return of the combined force to Australian skies, enhancing interoperability and strengthening relationships, it said.