Australia has formalized a bilateral air-to-air refueling agreement between the Royal Australian Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force.
The arrangement comprises joint training and exercises, with the refueling pact a key component in bolstering the partnership between the two air forces.
Australian Air Commander Vice Marshal Darren Goldie and Korean Operation Commander Lt. Gen. Park Ha Sik signed the agreement in September.
“This helps further ensure that our two air forces can support one another in the skies, during exercises and training activities and on any future operations,” Goldie explained.
“The transfer of fuel when required to sustain and prolong our presence in the air is critical to our aircraft being able to successfully project air power.”
Park emphasized that the agreement would enhance the Australian and South Korean air force’s combined operational capability and support the expansion of their respective areas of operations.
“As strategic partners, various collaborations between the two countries should take place in the future,” he said.
“This implementing arrangement will be the ironclad foundation for the development of the military cooperation between Australia and the Republic of Korea.”
Australia and South Korea in Exercise Pitch Black
The latest refueling cooperation took place at this year’s Exercise Pitch Black.
During the exercise, a South Korean KC-330 Cygnus multirole tanker transport aircraft was deployed alongside six upgraded KF-16 Fighting Falcon jets in Australia at RAAF Base Amberley.