Certification of Aerial Refueling of Australian E7A Wedgetail and US KC46A Pegasus Strengthens Allied Interoperability
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On 28 April 2025, the certification of aerial refueling between an Australian E-7A Wedgetail and a US KC-46A Pegasus marks a new era for aerial interoperability between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This operational milestone strengthens allied forces’ ability to conduct complex joint operations while laying the foundations for enduring technological cooperation.
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The trilateral collaboration also addressed significant technical challenges, particularly regarding secure data sharing between the two platforms (Picture source: US DoD)
In a significant step forward for international cooperation in air capabilities, the US Air Force (USAF), the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have achieved a historic milestone by certifying, for the first time, aerial refueling between an E-7A Wedgetail and a KC-46A Pegasus. This achievement represents a major advancement in joint combat capabilities and sets the groundwork for the upcoming integration of the Wedgetail into the US and UK fleets, further enhancing operational cohesion among allied forces.
The test campaign, conducted under the supervision of the 418th Flight Test Squadron within the Global Reach Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base, enabled the certification of interoperability between an RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and a KC-46A Pegasus. This first-of-its-kind certification broadens Australia’s refueling options beyond the US KC-135 Stratotanker and the RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport. It is part of a broader trilateral strategy aimed at strengthening rapid deployment capabilities, secure data exchange, and coalition operations through shared resources and standardized systems.
The E-7A Wedgetail is currently one of the most advanced airborne command and control systems. Based on the Boeing 737-700 airframe, it is equipped with the Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar, capable of simultaneously tracking air and maritime targets over distances exceeding 400 kilometers. With aerial refueling capabilities and extended operational range, the Wedgetail can cover more than four million square kilometers during a single mission, playing a central role in battlefield management and multi-domain coordination.
Onboard, ten state-of-the-art mission consoles enable command teams to conduct continuous surveillance, direct offensive and defensive operations, and transmit strategic information in real time via tactical data links such as Link-11, Link-16, and UHF SATCOM. Wedgetail is also equipped with advanced electronic protection systems, enhancing its survivability in contested environments and supporting its role in multinational operations.
Already operational with the Australian, South Korean, and Turkish air forces, and soon to enter service with the Royal Air Force as the Wedgetail AEW Mk1, the E-7A acts as a force multiplier. Its integration within allied fleets ensures standardization of aerial operations, improves tactical and strategic coordination, and enhances responsiveness against emerging threats. This interoperability, enabled by shared platforms, significantly increases overall combat effectiveness by removing technical barriers and facilitating rapid coalition engagement.
The 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base successfully certified the interoperability between an RAAF E7A Wedgetail and a KC46A Pegasus during a dedicated test campaign. (Picture source: US DoD)
The KC-46A Pegasus, developed to replace the aging KC-135 fleet, is another key component of this enhanced interoperability. Capable of carrying 212,299 pounds of fuel, 65,000 pounds of cargo, or 58 passengers, the KC-46A can simultaneously refuel multiple aircraft using its fly-by-wire boom system and Wing Aerial Refueling Pods (WARPs). Equipped with secure communications and self-protection systems, it maintains logistical support for operations even in highly contested environments, consolidating the strategic mobility of allied forces.
The trilateral collaboration also addressed significant technical challenges, particularly regarding secure data sharing between the two platforms. With support from Boeing, the 418th FLTS teams succeeded in aligning different national standards, creating an important precedent for the future certification of foreign platforms. According to Maj. Matthew Daughtery, test pilot at the 418th FLTS, the ability to extract and effectively use operational data is as critical as the technical refueling validation itself, emphasizing the importance of doctrinal alignment between allies.
The participation of an RAF test pilot in the campaign further illustrates the value of this synergy. As noted by Squadron Leader Angus Lilly, the experience gained will accelerate the operational integration of the RAF’s future Wedgetail aircraft and optimize the exchange of operational procedures between allied forces.
The flight tests conducted over the Mojave Desert open a new phase in interconnected airborne surveillance, control, and command capabilities. Lessons learned from this campaign are already informing future test planning for the integration of Wedgetail into the USAF and RAF fleets, while strengthening a shared operational framework.
By laying the foundation for full interoperability centered around the E-7A Wedgetail and KC-46A Pegasus, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom are enhancing their collective ability to conduct effective joint operations against global threats while establishing a sustainable model for future military technological cooperation.
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On 28 April 2025, the certification of aerial refueling between an Australian E-7A Wedgetail and a US KC-46A Pegasus marks a new era for aerial interoperability between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This operational milestone strengthens allied forces’ ability to conduct complex joint operations while laying the foundations for enduring technological cooperation.
The trilateral collaboration also addressed significant technical challenges, particularly regarding secure data sharing between the two platforms (Picture source: US DoD)
In a significant step forward for international cooperation in air capabilities, the US Air Force (USAF), the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have achieved a historic milestone by certifying, for the first time, aerial refueling between an E-7A Wedgetail and a KC-46A Pegasus. This achievement represents a major advancement in joint combat capabilities and sets the groundwork for the upcoming integration of the Wedgetail into the US and UK fleets, further enhancing operational cohesion among allied forces.
The test campaign, conducted under the supervision of the 418th Flight Test Squadron within the Global Reach Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base, enabled the certification of interoperability between an RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and a KC-46A Pegasus. This first-of-its-kind certification broadens Australia’s refueling options beyond the US KC-135 Stratotanker and the RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport. It is part of a broader trilateral strategy aimed at strengthening rapid deployment capabilities, secure data exchange, and coalition operations through shared resources and standardized systems.
The E-7A Wedgetail is currently one of the most advanced airborne command and control systems. Based on the Boeing 737-700 airframe, it is equipped with the Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar, capable of simultaneously tracking air and maritime targets over distances exceeding 400 kilometers. With aerial refueling capabilities and extended operational range, the Wedgetail can cover more than four million square kilometers during a single mission, playing a central role in battlefield management and multi-domain coordination.
Onboard, ten state-of-the-art mission consoles enable command teams to conduct continuous surveillance, direct offensive and defensive operations, and transmit strategic information in real time via tactical data links such as Link-11, Link-16, and UHF SATCOM. Wedgetail is also equipped with advanced electronic protection systems, enhancing its survivability in contested environments and supporting its role in multinational operations.
Already operational with the Australian, South Korean, and Turkish air forces, and soon to enter service with the Royal Air Force as the Wedgetail AEW Mk1, the E-7A acts as a force multiplier. Its integration within allied fleets ensures standardization of aerial operations, improves tactical and strategic coordination, and enhances responsiveness against emerging threats. This interoperability, enabled by shared platforms, significantly increases overall combat effectiveness by removing technical barriers and facilitating rapid coalition engagement.
The 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base successfully certified the interoperability between an RAAF E7A Wedgetail and a KC46A Pegasus during a dedicated test campaign. (Picture source: US DoD)
The KC-46A Pegasus, developed to replace the aging KC-135 fleet, is another key component of this enhanced interoperability. Capable of carrying 212,299 pounds of fuel, 65,000 pounds of cargo, or 58 passengers, the KC-46A can simultaneously refuel multiple aircraft using its fly-by-wire boom system and Wing Aerial Refueling Pods (WARPs). Equipped with secure communications and self-protection systems, it maintains logistical support for operations even in highly contested environments, consolidating the strategic mobility of allied forces.
The trilateral collaboration also addressed significant technical challenges, particularly regarding secure data sharing between the two platforms. With support from Boeing, the 418th FLTS teams succeeded in aligning different national standards, creating an important precedent for the future certification of foreign platforms. According to Maj. Matthew Daughtery, test pilot at the 418th FLTS, the ability to extract and effectively use operational data is as critical as the technical refueling validation itself, emphasizing the importance of doctrinal alignment between allies.
The participation of an RAF test pilot in the campaign further illustrates the value of this synergy. As noted by Squadron Leader Angus Lilly, the experience gained will accelerate the operational integration of the RAF’s future Wedgetail aircraft and optimize the exchange of operational procedures between allied forces.
The flight tests conducted over the Mojave Desert open a new phase in interconnected airborne surveillance, control, and command capabilities. Lessons learned from this campaign are already informing future test planning for the integration of Wedgetail into the USAF and RAF fleets, while strengthening a shared operational framework.
By laying the foundation for full interoperability centered around the E-7A Wedgetail and KC-46A Pegasus, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom are enhancing their collective ability to conduct effective joint operations against global threats while establishing a sustainable model for future military technological cooperation.
