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
-
Ukraine fighter jet plans see acceleration with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
-
US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
-
Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
-
Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
-
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.