Croatian Rafale jets conduct air-to-air refuelling training with German aircraft

Pilots from the Croatian Air Force and crews from the German Air Force are conducting joint air-to-air refuelling (AAR) training within Croatian airspace. The exercise involves Rafale multirole fighter aircraft from the 191st Fighter Squadron and German Airbus A400M transport aircraft from the 62nd Air Transport Wing.

Based at the Colonel Marko Živković Barracks in Pleso, the training focuses on the complex hose-and-drogue refuelling system. This procedure requires precise coordination of speed, altitude, and communication to allow the Rafale to connect its refuelling probe to the A400M while in flight.

This training establishes a new operational capability for Croatia’s 191st Fighter Squadron, significantly extending the operational range and flight endurance of the Rafale fleet. The exercise also aims to strengthen interoperability between the Croatian and German air forces as part of broader NATO cooperation.