A Washington National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker from the 141st Air Refueling Wing recently made history by refueling Malaysian Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets. This marks the first officially recognized instance of a U.S. Air Force aircraft refueling Russian-built aircraft, highlighting a unique moment in military aviation cooperation. The refueling exercise underscores enhanced U.S.-Malaysia defense ties, demonstrating interoperability and mutual support between the two nations despite differences in aircraft origin and design. This collaboration showcases the adaptability of the USAF’s refueling capabilities and fosters stronger regional security partnerships in the Asia-Pacific.