Turkish KC-135 tanker aircraft’s refuelling of a Danish F-35A during the Ramstein Flag 2025 exercise might be another improvement in Turkish- US relations.
The refuelling of the F-35A fighter jet by a Turkish Air Force KC-135 tanker in the NATO exercise marks the first time in the Turkish Air Force. However, deeper meanings can also be observed in the event, considering the fact that F-35 fighters became a straining factor from a strengthening one in the Turkiye-US Relations following the US embargoes, including the denial of F-35 deliveries and exclusion from the F-35 JSF programme.
Another Signal of Improvement in Turkiye-US Relations
Following Turkiye’s exclusion from the F-35 JSF programme by the US, fighters built for Turkiye have been withheld, and there has been a noticeable distancing of the NATO allies’ F-35s from Turkish personnel. Turkish Air Force’s jets attended the same exercise in the past with F-35 and did fly together, but an aerial refuelling operation requires briefings about aerial refuelling as one aircraft will approach another from behind and fly close during transfer.
This shows that the ice might have started to melt down in the F-35 dispute between Turkiye and the US as the Turkish personnel, marking a step in resolution.
In addition to a positive signal, the refuelling operation is also a form of training for the Turkish personnel, saving time in case Turkiye acquires F-35s after settling the dispute.
Importance of Aerial Refuelling
Aerial refuelling has changed the way Air Force operations are conducted. Combat aircraft are no longer limited to their own fuel payload, which increases the operational radius by a long shot.
Aerial refuelling is currently performed with purpose-built tankers and retrofitted transport aircraft. US Navy is exploring the use of unmanned platforms with the testing of MQ-25 Stingray UAV which can take off from CATOBAR aircraft carriers.
The refuelling has two main methods: the use of a probe connecting to the aircraft fuselage and a hose released through a pod assembly, connecting to a probe on the aircraft being refuelled.
The Turkish Air Force operates seven KC-135R tankers upgraded to Block 45.1 standard.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
