French KC-130J Refuels Rafale Fighter for First Time in UAE Exercise

In a significant operational milestone, a French Air & Space Force KC-130J Super Hercules successfully refueled a Dassault Rafale fighter jet in flight for the first time during the Gulf25 exercise between France and the UAE. The demonstration, conducted from Air Base 104 Al Dhafra, expands the KC-130J’s operational envelope beyond its primary roles supporting special operations and helicopter refueling. This achievement introduces new tactical flexibility to France’s air-to-air refueling capabilities, complementing the existing Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix fleet and opening possibilities for enhanced strike package operations and forward-deployed detachments.