India-Australia ink key air-to-air refuelling pact between their armed forces

Australia and India have achieved a significant milestone in their defence relationship by signing an arrangement to facilitate air-to-air refuelling between the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces.
This agreement marks a new chapter in enhancing the operational capabilities and interoperability of both nations in the Indo-Pacific region, an official statement said.
The arrangement was announced during bilateral discussions between Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, and Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Laos on Thursday.
The arrangement allows RAAF’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport to refuel Indian Armed Forces aircraft, broadening their collaborative scope in joint operations.
Australia’s Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, signed the arrangement on November 19 in New Delhi during the Australia-India Air Staff Talks.
He emphasised the importance of this agreement, saying “India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we are continuing to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability. This arrangement strengthens our interoperability, enabling more effective collaboration across a range of scenarios.”
This partnership is a step forward in fostering trust, mutual understanding, and operational synergy. The KC-30A’s ability to refuel Indian aircraft, including potentially the Navy’s P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft, enhances India’s operational reach and persistence in the Indo-Pacific, the statement added.
In addition to this agreement, the RAAF continues to collaborate with the Indian Navy, conducting training and engagement activities, underscoring the growing defence ties between the two nations.