The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has received the third of five KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare said.

"It’s a flying petrol station which will allow our Hornets, Super Hornets, C-17s and Wedgetails to be refuelled in the air," Clare added.

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The aircraft was converted by Qantas Defence Services from a commercial A330 airliner to a military tanker that is capable of carrying 100t of fuel and refuelling itself.

The company also provided through-life support for the new tankers.

Number 33 Squadron will operate the aircraft at the RAAF Base Amberley, Australia.

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