In February the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) announced that the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft have reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
In February the Royal Australian
Air Force (RAAF) announced that the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker
Transport (MRTT) aircraft have reached Initial Operational
Capability (IOC).

Image supplied by Andrew Mclaughlin,
courtesy of Airbus Military
The KC-30A is designed to perform airborne refuelling for air
combat aircraft to enhance endurance and range. The KC-30A will
also provide a further lift capacity for 270 passengers and has an
under-floor freight capacity of 36,000 kg (26 airline
containers).
Air Force accepted the fifth and final KC-30A from Airbus
Military on 30 November last year and the aircraft was delivered to
RAAF Base Amberley in early December 2012. In another milestone,
Air Force completed the first domestic pilot and Air Refuelling
Operator courses at the KC-30A training centre (RAAF Base Amberley)
in December 2012.
Earlier this year, two KC-30A aircraft accompanied seven F/A-18
A/B Hornets to Exercise COPE NORTH in Guam. The exercise
successfully demonstrated the aircraft's refuelling capability and
capacity.
Further modification and testing is underway to enable the
KC-30A to achieve Final Operational Capability, involving the
ability to refuel the E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and
Control aircraft, C-17A Globemaster, and other KC-30As.
In the future, the KC-30A will also be able to refuel the P-8A
Poseidon surveillance aircraft and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter when
these aircraft enter Air Force service.