Spain orders three Airbus A330 MRTTs
With the addition of A330 MRTT to its fleet, the Spanish Air Force acquires a key and proven new capability. (Photo: Airbus)
The Spanish MoD has placed an order for three Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft.
The handover of the first aircraft is scheduled in the coming days and then it will undergo reconfiguration. The final delivery and conversion is scheduled for 2025.
The contract covers associated support such as spares, ground support equipment, training and in-service support until the end of the contract.
The aircraft, acquired from Iberia, will be converted into military ranker transport at Airbus’ Spanish headquarters in Getafe Spain.
It will be equipped with a state-of-the-art hose and drogue refuelling system and a specific MEDEVAC kit to accommodate light and intensive care stations.
The large 111t basic fuel capacity of the successful A330-200 airliner, from which it is derived, enables the A330 MRTT to excel in air-to-air refuelling missions.
The wide-body fuselage enables the aircraft to also be used as a dedicated transport aircraft able to carry up to 300 troops, or a payload of up to 45t / 99,000lb.
Spain joins the list of A330 MRTT operators, with 51 deliveries worldwide to 13 customers.
This week, at the Dubai Airshow, the UAE also ordered two A330 MRTT aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force
The Leonardo M-345 High-Efficiency Trainer (HET) basic/advanced trainer is similar to the M-346, which is the second part of the Italian Air Force’s training system, but is a substantially smaller and less powerful aircraft.
-
Belgium’s F-35A order progresses at it awaits first jet delivery by late 2025
The first aircraft delivery timeline confirmation comes as Belgium weighs up an additional F-3A buy from Lockheed Martin.
-
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
-
Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training
In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
-
Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution
The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).