A Royal Air Drive Poseidon P-8 has been refuelled in UK airspace for the primary time, throughout Train Cobra Warrior 25-2.
The sortie was carried out by 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron throughout Train Cobra Warrior 25-2, with a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker from RAF Mildenhall extending a refuelling hose to the Poseidon mid-flight.
The process allowed the plane to stay airborne longer with out returning to base, considerably increasing its operational vary.
Squadron Chief Kane, who beforehand served on alternate with the US Navy and gained intensive expertise testing Poseidon refuelling with each KC-135 and KC-46 tankers, captained the historic flight.
A spokesperson from RAF Lossiemouth mentioned: “This can be a main milestone for the UK Poseidon. The P-8 is already a flexible plane however with the ability to lengthen the time these missions can keep within the air shall be of giant profit to each the RAF and our allies.”
They added: “This train has additionally proven the significance of with the ability to function with, and alongside, our allies. On behalf of the P8 crew I’d wish to thank our US Air Drive colleagues for aiding us in making the primary AAR successful.”
Poseidons, operated by 42, 120 and 201 Squadrons from RAF Lossiemouth, are on the coronary heart of the UK’s anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance mission. Nevertheless, the sort lacked a British refuelling possibility. The UK doesn’t function any boom-equipped tankers, which means plane just like the Poseidon and another varieties should depend on US assist to increase endurance.
The milestone comes simply weeks after 42 Squadron was formally re-established at Lossiemouth in a ceremony attended by King Charles III. It additionally coincides with the 2025 iteration of Train Cobra Warrior, bringing collectively NATO companions for large-scale collective coaching.