A KC-30A during boom refuelling trials in the US. (Lockheed Martin)

The Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport fleet has surpassed the 20,000 flying hours milestone since entering service in 2011.

This milestone was reached during a mission from Yokota Air Base in Japan, having supported the return of Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, to Kuala Lumpur as the tanker in question was being positioned to support Exercise Bersama Lima 2016.

33 Squadron operates five KC-30A aircraft from RAAF Base Amberley. AIR 7403 Phase 3 is acquiring two additional aircraft to increase the existing fleet to seven.