Engine failure forces diversion of French fighter jets, aerial refueling aircraft

Two French fighter jets and an aerial refueling aircraft were forced to land in Malta after the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker developed technical failure in one of its engines.

The aircraft landed in Malta at around 12.30pm, accompanied by two French Air Force Dassault Rafale fighter/bombers.

It is understood that the planes were on an operation in the Mediterranean when the refueling aircraft developed a technical failure. The pilots changed their course and landed in Malta.

The two fighters can be seen carrying external fuel tanks and four MBDA MICA air-to-air missiles each.

Two French Rafale fighter jets land in Malta (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)

"Malta International Airport can confirm that earlier today a French Air Force aircraft was diverted to Malta, due to technical difficulties. The airport's Rescue and Fire Services team were deployed immediately as a precautionary measure. The aircraft landed safely at 12:29," a spokesperson for MIA told MaltaToday.

Close-up of two MBDA MICA air-to-air missiles on one of the Rafale jets (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)

Last October, a small-engine aircraft on a French Customs surveillance operation developed engine trouble the minute it took to air from the runway at the Malta International Airport. The tragic event left five French nationals dead.