No. 33 Squadron RAAF
Royal Australian Air Force strategic airlift and air-to-air refuelling squadron operating Airbus KC-30A tanker transports.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
No. 33 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force unit responsible for strategic air transport and aerial refuelling. Based at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland and controlled by No. 86 Wing within Air Mobility Group, the squadron operates Airbus KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transports. Its aircraft support the movement of personnel and cargo, transport senior officials when required, and extend the range and endurance of Australian and allied aircraft through in-flight refuelling. The squadron was established at Townsville on 16 February 1942 during the Second World War. It initially operated Short Empire flying boats transferred from No. 11 Squadron, together with a mixed collection of smaller aircraft, including de Havilland Dragons, Tiger Moths, Avro Ansons and Vultee Vigilants. Its early duties included transport, communications and search-and-rescue work in northern Australia and the South-West Pacific. The unit experienced several serious losses during 1942, including aircraft accidents and losses connected with Japanese attacks and difficult maritime operations. In 1943, No. 33 Squadron moved to Port Moresby to support Australian forces in the New Guinea campaign. It progressively replaced its mixed fleet with Douglas C-47 Dakota transports, becoming an exclusively Dakota-equipped unit by early 1944. After the war it repatriated service personnel and former prisoners of war before returning to Townsville and disbanding on 13 May 1946. The unit was re-established in 1981 as No. 33 Flight at RAAF Base Richmond, operating Boeing 707s acquired for long-range transport and VIP missions. It became a full squadron in July 1983. The 707 fleet carried Australian and foreign dignitaries, military personnel and cargo, and later included aircraft modified for probe-and-drogue aerial refuelling. The squadron supported Australian and coalition operations in Namibia, the Persian Gulf, Somalia and Afghanistan. One transport-configured 707 crashed near East Sale in October 1991, killing all five crew members; a subsequent coronial inquiry identified deficiencies in asymmetric-handling training and simulation. The squadron relinquished its dedicated VIP role in 2002 after the introduction of aircraft operated by No. 34 Squadron. Its 707s continued to support transport and tanker missions until their retirement in 2008. No. 33 Squadron moved to Amberley in July 2008 and temporarily operated without assigned aircraft while the RAAF transitioned to the KC-30A. The first KC-30A arrived in June 2011, and the squadron achieved initial operating capability in February 2013. The KC-30A gives the RAAF a substantially broader capability than the 707. Each aircraft can carry more than 110 tonnes of fuel and can refuel aircraft through both wing-mounted probe-and-drogue pods and a tail-mounted boom. The fleet can support fighter, electronic-attack, airborne early-warning, maritime-patrol, airlift and tanker aircraft. In transport configuration, a KC-30A can carry up to 270 passengers or approximately 34 tonnes of cargo. The squadron also operates a KC-30 simulator and includes pilots, refuelling operators, mission coordinators, flight attendants and maintenance personnel. Since 2014, No. 33 Squadron has maintained a sustained operational presence in the Middle East under Operation Okra, Australia's contribution to the coalition campaign against Islamic State. A KC-30A began missions from the United Arab Emirates in October 2014. The deployment continued for approximately six years and generated 1,440 air-to-air refuelling missions. The squadron's current identity is therefore centred on force multiplication: enabling aircraft to fly farther, remain on station longer and carry useful weapons or cargo without relying solely on internal fuel capacity. Its motto is “Enduring.”
History
No. 33 Squadron was formed at Townsville, Queensland, on 16 February 1942 as one of several RAAF transport units created during the early Pacific War. It received four Short Empire flying boats, formerly associated with Qantas and transferred from No. 11 Squadron, as well as a varied collection of light and medium aircraft. The squadron performed transport, communications and search-and-rescue duties in northern Australia and the South-West Pacific. Its first months were marked by substantial operational hazards: one Empire was lost in a landing accident at Townsville, another was destroyed during the Japanese raid on Broome, and a further aircraft disappeared in heavy seas during a rescue attempt off New Guinea. The unit moved to Port Moresby in January 1943 to support Australian operations in New Guinea. Transport demand was extreme, and even small Tiger Moths were used to carry supplies. From September 1943 the squadron received Douglas C-47 Dakotas, which replaced its assortment of aircraft. It operated Dakotas exclusively by early 1944, moving through Milne Bay and later Lae while supporting the campaign. After the Japanese surrender, the squadron repatriated service personnel and former prisoners of war. It returned to Townsville in March 1946 and was disbanded there in May. The squadron's post-war incarnation followed the Australian Government's late-1970s decision to acquire long-range passenger aircraft for government and military transport. Two Boeing 707s obtained from Qantas entered RAAF service in 1979, initially being operated by No. 37 Squadron. They were brought together as No. 33 Flight in February 1981 at Richmond, and the flight was elevated to squadron status in July 1983 after two more aircraft were acquired. The 707s carried senior Australian officials, foreign dignitaries, military personnel and cargo. Their missions included VIP transport, international defence support and emergency passenger movements. Between 1988 and 1992, four aircraft were modified for aerial refuelling using probe-and-drogue equipment. The tanker-converted 707s could refuel RAAF F/A-18 Hornets and Royal New Zealand Air Force A-4K Skyhawks, although they could not support aircraft requiring a boom. The squadron deployed or supported operations in Namibia, the Persian Gulf, Somalia and Afghanistan. In 1991, a transport 707 crashed into the sea during a training flight near East Sale, killing five crew members. The coronial investigation identified shortcomings in training for asymmetric handling and in the use of suitable simulation. In the late 1990s, squadron aircraft supported Operation Southern Watch from Kuwait and conducted tanker missions for Australian, American and British aircraft. A later deployment to Central Asia supported coalition operations in Afghanistan, and No. 84 Wing received a Meritorious Unit Citation for its contribution. The squadron ceased its dedicated VIP transport function in 2002 after newer business jets and executive aircraft entered service with No. 34 Squadron. The aging 707s were finally retired in 2008. No. 33 Squadron moved from Richmond to Amberley on 1 July 2008 and entered a transition period without assigned aircraft. It began receiving Airbus KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transports in June 2011. The new aircraft combined strategic transport with both probe-and-drogue and boom refuelling systems. Initial operating capability was declared in February 2013, followed by the first operational Middle East deployment in October 2014 under Operation Okra. The squadron subsequently sustained a KC-30A presence for roughly six years, conducting 1,440 refuelling missions. Today it remains an active RAAF air-mobility squadron focused on long-range transport, aerial refuelling, training and expeditionary support.
- 2016
Awarded the Duke of Gloucester Cup
[1]The squadron was recognised as the RAAF's most proficient squadron for the preceding year.
- 2014
Operation Okra deployment
[1]A KC-30A began operational tanker missions in the Middle East in support of the anti-Islamic State coalition.
- 2013
KC-30A initial operating capability
[1]The squadron achieved initial operating capability with the KC-30A in February.
- 2011
KC-30A re-equipment began
[1]The first Airbus KC-30A entered squadron service in June.
- 2008
Moved to Amberley and retired the 707
[1]The squadron relocated to Queensland and ended its Boeing 707 era.
- 1992
707 tanker conversion completed
[1]Four aircraft completed probe-and-drogue aerial-refuelling modifications.
- 1988
707 fleet expanded
[1]The RAAF acquired additional Boeing 707 airframes, supporting the squadron's transport and future tanker roles.
- 1983
Returned to squadron status
[1]No. 33 Flight became a full squadron on 1 July.
- 1981
Re-established as No. 33 Flight
[1]The unit returned to service at Richmond with Boeing 707 aircraft for long-range transport.
- 1946
Disbanded after wartime service
[1]After post-war repatriation work, the squadron was disbanded at Townsville on 13 May.
Products and positioning
A specialist military air-mobility unit providing persistent tanker, strategic transport and force-extension capabilities for the Royal Australian Air Force and supported coalition operations.
Aerial refuelling and strategic transport aircraft · 2011
Airbus KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport
The KC-30A is the squadron's principal aircraft. Based on the Airbus A330, it combines a large fuel load with passenger and cargo transport. Its wing-mounted hose-and-drogue pods and under-tail refuelling boom allow it to support aircraft with different receptacle systems, including fighters, electronic-attack aircraft, airborne early-warning aircraft, maritime-patrol aircraft, airlifters and other tankers. The aircraft can carry more than 110 tonnes of fuel, up to 270 passengers or about 34 tonnes of cargo, depending on configuration.
Strategic transport and tanker aircraft · 1981
Boeing 707
Boeing 707s formed the core of the squadron's post-1981 force. They performed long-range passenger, cargo and VIP transport, while four aircraft were later modified for probe-and-drogue aerial refuelling. The type supported operations in Namibia, the Persian Gulf, Somalia and Afghanistan before being retired from RAAF service in 2008.
Wartime transport aircraft · 1943
Douglas C-47 Dakota
The C-47 became the squadron's standard aircraft during the New Guinea campaign. It replaced the earlier mixed fleet and was used for transport support, resupply and post-war repatriation duties until the squadron was disbanded in 1946.
Marketing campaigns
- 2014Operation Okra
Iraq · United Arab Emirates · Middle East
A KC-30A deployed to Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and began refuelling coalition aircraft involved in operations against Islamic State forces in Iraq.
Outcome. The squadron maintained a tanker presence for approximately six years and completed 1,440 aerial-refuelling missions.
- 2002Afghanistan coalition support
Afghanistan · Kyrgyzstan
Two 707s operated from Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan as part of Australia's contribution to the war in Afghanistan.
Outcome. The contribution earned No. 84 Wing a Meritorious Unit Citation.
- 1998Operation Southern Watch
Kuwait · Saudi Arabia · Iraq
A detachment supported coalition air operations from Kuwait, including tanker missions for Australian, United States and United Kingdom aircraft.
Outcome. Extended the reach of coalition aircraft enforcing the Southern Watch air-exclusion mission.
- 1993Operation Solace
Somalia
The squadron transported Australian personnel associated with the international operation in Somalia.
Outcome. Provided air-mobility support for Australian participation in the mission.
- 1989UNTAG
Namibia
Boeing 707 aircraft transported Australian Army personnel supporting the United Nations Transition Assistance Group in Namibia.
Outcome. The squadron contributed strategic transport to Australia's United Nations mission.
Brand decisions
2015
Expand the KC-30A fleetStrategyBackground
The RAAF sought additional tanker capacity after the KC-30A entered operational service and deployed to the Middle East.
Action taken
The Federal Government announced the purchase of two additional aircraft, planned to be converted from ex-Qantas A330-200 airframes.
Aftermath
The planned fleet increased to seven KC-30As, improving resilience and deployment capacity.
2011
Transition to Airbus KC-30AGeneration changeBackground
Retirement of the 707s left the squadron without its own aircraft while the RAAF addressed technical and documentation issues affecting the new tanker program.
Action taken
The squadron began receiving KC-30A aircraft in June 2011.
Aftermath
Initial operating capability was achieved in February 2013, establishing a modern dual-system tanker and strategic transport force.
2002
End dedicated VIP transport roleStrategyBackground
The aging 707 fleet faced increasingly restrictive foreign noise and emissions requirements, while newer executive aircraft became available elsewhere in the RAAF.
Action taken
No. 33 Squadron relinquished its dedicated VIP transport mission to No. 34 Squadron.
Aftermath
The squadron concentrated more heavily on tanker and military transport duties before the 707s were retired in 2008.
1988
Convert Boeing 707s for aerial refuellingGeneration changeBackground
The RAAF required a tanker capability to extend the range and endurance of selected combat aircraft, particularly the F/A-18 fleet.
Action taken
Four serviceable Boeing 707s were modified with probe-and-drogue refuelling equipment.
Aftermath
The aircraft supported Australian and allied aircraft but could not refuel boom-equipped aircraft such as the RAAF's F-111s.
1978
Acquire dedicated long-range government transport aircraftStrategyBackground
The Australian Government sought to reduce reliance on commercial flights for VIP and strategic passenger movements, while also obtaining aircraft suitable for general long-range transport.
Action taken
It agreed to acquire two Boeing 707s from Qantas for RAAF operation.
Aftermath
The aircraft entered service in 1979 and ultimately became the foundation of No. 33 Flight and the re-established No. 33 Squadron.
Purchase price for two Boeing 707s. A$14.5 million (December 1978)
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