Airbus signs French A330 tanker upgrade deals worth $1.7 billion
The A330 MRTT can perform air-to-air refuelling (AAR) missions without the need for any additional tanks. (Photo: Airbus)
Airbus will transform the French Air Force’s A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet into a robust high-bandwidth communication relay, starting deliveries in 2028, the European aerospace giant has revealed.
Airbus has signed two contracts valued at €1.2 billion (US$1.3 billion) to provide capability enhancements and in-service support for the French Air Force’s A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRRT) fleet.
The company said it struck the deals with the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and Directorate of Aeronautic Maintenance (DMAe).
‘We are honoured to contribute to one of France’s most strategic capabilities,’ said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of military air systems at Airbus Defence and Space.
Under the programme, Airbus will repurpose the French A330 MRTT into a high-bandwidth communication relay node, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in adverse conditions, including jammed environments and extreme weather conditions.
The first of 15 French A330 MRTTs with the enhanced capabilities will be expected to be delivered to the country’s air force by 2028, Airbus said, adding that the second contract would encompass the in-service support for France’s existing fleet of 12 A330 MRTTs known as ‘Phenix’.
The 111t basic fuel capacity of the A330-200 airliner – from which the A330 is derived – enables the A330 MRTT to perform air-to-air refuelling (AAR) missions without the need for any additional tanks. The aircraft is offered with a choice of AAR systems, including the Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), a pair of underwing hose and drogue pods and/or a fuselage refuelling unit. The aircraft is also known as KC-30 or Voyager.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth]()
The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth
Total annual drone spending has increased nearly sixfold since the start of the decade, from $2.9 billion in 2020 to $16.3 billion in 2028, with Europe leading the rise.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne]()
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
