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
-
USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule
The US Air Force is seeking additional contractors to support communications upgrades for the B-52, while multiple Stratofortress modernisation programmes continue to experience delays, cost growth and technical challenges.
-
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
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
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)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.