U.S. Air Refuels Three Russian Made Sukhoi Su-30MKM Fighter Aircraft

Aircrew assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard, refueled three Russian made Sukhoi Su-30MKM aircraft during a historic State Partnership engagement with the Royal Malaysian Air Force at RMAF Subang Air Base, Malaysia, November 12, 2024. Flying a KC-135 Stratotanker, the 141st utilized the multi-point refueling systems (MPRS) to allow refueling using a probe and drogue system common to many allied aircraft. Since 2017, the WANG has maintained a strong partnership with Malaysia, improving interoperability and integrated capabilities. Engagements like this reinforce initiatives led by our allies and partners, projecting strength by utilizing both distinctive U.S. capabilities and those shared with allies and partners. Together, these efforts leverage cultural, strategic, and operational advantages that are essential to our shared objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. #usa #airforce #malaysia

[fauziamd]

OMG that is the most beautiful SU-30 i ever seen !!!!Bravo to malaysian pilot well known for their skills!!!

[kyleunnis]

I love those flanker lines... Such a gorgeous aircraft.

[tgarsyaddd]

For those who are lazy enough to read the description, this is Su-30MKM, used by Royal Malaysian Airforce. It is US ally, hence why it can refuel there. Malaysia modified the Su-30 so that it can be integrated with both soviet and western modern weapon system. Other differences from other variants of Su-30 is that Su-30MKM have "bird slicers" on top of its nose

[cspruitt]

That is one of the most beautiful airfames ever.

[HockSengNg-in]

The shape of the fighter airframe looks like an eagle. Amazing.

[merongmahawangsa]

If you see the IFF bird slicers on top of the nose, it is Su-30MKM. No other Su 30 has the "bird slicers". Not even Su 30MKI.

[TomBreeze]

Definitely Royal Malay AF, as they also have two F-18 Hornets in the formation and Malaysia flys them as well.

[peterwanat]

I was thinking that these were from India but Im now thinking its Royal Malaysian AF jets because of the markings

[davefolts]

Sukhoi makes aerodynamically perfect aircraft

[saifman-cp]

yes its Royal Malaysian RMAF Su-30MKM jets

[aregeegee]

Malaysia really reunited both powerful countries in a minute

[craigturbyfield]

I know there used to be full service gas stations but to have the gas delivered to you while traveling thousands of feet in the air is next level service.

[Rockdagger]

Wasn't sure how I felt about this until I saw their markings.

[Tomic_ants]

best combination of beautiful view of nature and aircraft

[michaelalcocer]

It’s a vey nice detail from us as americans

[Overneed-Belkan-Witch]

Every Malaysian Jet must have that Bird Slicer
It's a Must feature for ally recognition

[jrags]

The RMAF jets do drogue refuelling with the RMAF A400M's on a regular basis. So the pilots are quite familiar with the technique.

[geoffmarr]

One thing we do know for certain. Given such a fraught scenario, undertaken with skill, patience, calm and professionalism, is that no Russians were involved.

[josephj]

They are Ruzzian made but flown by Malaysia AF an Alley nation. We probably refuel All out allies if they need it, good training. That requires such precision by All involved! I think they can refuel 2 at same time? That has to be super skill? So much could go wrong w No time to react! Kudos to USAF! From Former USMC

[NJPAS]

Really, I thought one is diesel and the other is premium 97 😁