The Luftwaffe has, for the first time, refueled its Eurofighter jets using a KC-130J belonging to the Franco-German binational BATS squadron.
The operation took place over Neubrandenburg at 6,000 meters altitude and involved transferring more than seven tons of fuel to six aircraft, marking a significant step in integrating the joint aerial refueling capability between the two countries.
This milestone follows recent tests conducted by France, which had already used a KC-130J from the same squadron to refuel Mirage 2000D and Rafale jets. Since 2021, BATS has brought together French and German aircraft and crews in a unit unprecedented in C-130 history, operating five KC-130Js and five C-130J-30s.
The group was created to fill the gap left by the retirement of the C-160 Transall and to enhance the logistical and tactical capacity of the joint forces.
In addition to strengthening Franco-German cooperation, the test campaign helps validate refueling compatibility between NATO aircraft under different flight conditions, including night operations with night vision.
With a diverse fleet including Eurofighters, Mirage 2000s, Rafales, and support from A400M and A330 MRTT transports, France and Germany are advancing toward operating integrated transport, support, and aerial refueling missions in crisis scenarios and combined military operations.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: Instagram @team_luftwaffe | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
