Croatia’s Rafale jets train with German aircraft in new air-to-air refuelling capability

(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)

Pilots of the Croatian Air Force and crews from the German Air Force are conducting joint air-to-air refuelling training in Croatian airspace this week, helping Croatia develop a new operational capability for its Rafale fighter jets.

The training involves pilots from the 191st Fighter Squadron of the 91st Wing of the Croatian Air Force, operating Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, and crews from the German Air Force’s 62nd Air Transport Wing flying Airbus A400M aircraft.

The Croatian and German personnel are based at Colonel Marko Živković Barracks at Pleso, near Velika Gorica, during the exercise.

(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)

The focus is on Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR), a complex procedure that allows fighter aircraft to receive fuel while airborne.

The German A400M uses a hose-and-drogue refuelling system to transfer fuel to another aircraft in flight.

(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)

During the training, Rafale pilots maintain continuous communication with the A400M crew while matching the speed and altitude of the two aircraft.

The Rafale then connects its refuelling probe, located on the front of the aircraft, to the hose and drogue system before fuel is transferred in the air.

The procedure requires a high level of training and coordination from both aircraft crews.

(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)

(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)

For Croatia’s 191st Fighter Squadron, the training is particularly significant because air-to-air refuelling represents a new operational capability for the unit.

The ability to refuel during flight can extend the operational range of Rafale aircraft and allow them to remain airborne for longer periods, increasing their flexibility during missions.

(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)

The joint training also strengthens interoperability between the Croatian and German air forces and forms part of wider cooperation between NATO allies.

Croatia has been continuing to develop the capabilities of its Rafale fleet since the aircraft entered service with the Croatian Air Force.

(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)

The Croatian Government last week adopted a decision to further equip and modernise the Rafale aircraft, including upgrading them from the F3-R operational standard towards additional F4 capabilities.

At the same time, Croatian Rafale pilots are continuing to train and develop their ability to use the aircraft’s increasingly advanced capabilities.

(Photo: MORH/ F. Klen)

The latest exercise therefore combines operational training with the continued development of Croatia’s combat aviation capabilities, while reinforcing military cooperation with Germany and within NATO.