Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations
The first of two A330-200s for the Brazilian Air Force arrived in late July. (Photo: Sgt Müller Marin/Sgt Figueira/DECEA/FAB)
A pair of A330s will be converted by Airbus for aerial refuelling, logistical support, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuations.
On 26 July, the first of two Airbus A330-200 aircraft purchased for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) arrived at Galeão Airbase in Rio de Janeiro. Both A330s will be assigned to the Corsário transport squadron.
The two aircraft were acquired from the Brazilian commercial airline Azul Linhas Aéreas. The aircraft commissioned on 26 July (tail number FAB 2901) departed Ireland on 24 July. The second aircraft (tail number FAB2902) is undergoing unspecified maintenance in Jordan, the FAB explained in a press release.
Each A330 aircraft will undergo modifications by Airbus to convert them into Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) platforms;
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
-
![US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry]()
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
![NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems]()
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.
