A French Air and Space Force A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Phénix has refuelled U.S. and Royal Air Force RC-135 aircraft over central France in the first such allied integration within the RC-135 enterprise. The sortie took place during Exercise Ravitaillement en Vol and involved U.S. Air Force and Air Combat Command personnel alongside French and British crews.
The exercise tested more than aircraft compatibility. It examined communications, command relationships, airspace coordination, emergency procedures and other elements needed to support multinational refuelling operations. The first-time link-up expands options for RC-135 reconnaissance missions, which depend on airborne endurance and flexible tanker access to sustain long-range intelligence collection.
The integration follows earlier testing in October 2023 at Edwards Air Force Base, where a U.S. Air Force RC-135 and a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A, also based on the A330 MRTT, worked together. U.S. Air Force material says the wider approach could give RC-135 crews access to more than 30 allied tankers, widening support for coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.