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
-
![Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military]()
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Amazon Project Kuiper's Don Brown and GRC's Steve Slater talked to Shephard's Alix Valenti about how their partnership can offer unique capabilities in defence SATCOM to government customers, with a focus on assurance, security and choice.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
