The two additional aircraft will be delivered in 2028 and 2029
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has ordered two additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, increasing the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) to 12 aircraft. This expansion coincides with the formal accession of Sweden and Denmark to the MMF programme, further strengthening European strategic autonomy and collaborative defence capabilities.
Sweden and Denmark’s addition to the MMF programme expands the base of participating nations and reinforces European sovereignty in critical defence capabilities. Funded by the Netherlands, Luxembourg, with the progressive incorporation of Norway, Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic, the MMF programme allows these nations the exclusive right to operate the NATO-owned aircraft in a pooling arrangement providing commonality, interoperability and cost efficiency, a prime example of European operational defence collaboration.
„The expansion of the Multinational MRTT Fleet with two additional aircraft and the addition of Sweden and Denmark to the programme underscores Europe’s commitment to collective defence and strategic autonomy,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of AirPower at Airbus Defence and Space. “Airbus is proud to contribute to this effort by delivering state-of-the-art A330 MRTTs produced and converted in our Toulouse and Getafe facilities. This collaboration exemplifies how European industry can respond effectively to evolving security challenges through innovation and cooperation.”
The Airbus A330 MRTT is a state-of-the-art aircraft that seamlessly integrates air-to-air refuelling, strategic airlift, and medical evacuation capabilities. With a fuel capacity of up to 111 tonnes, it can conduct long-range missions, supporting NATO operations across Europe and beyond. Its wide-body fuselage enables it to transport up to 300 troops or a payload of up to 45 tonnes. Additionally, the aircraft can be configured with a dedicated Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit that can accommodate stretchers and intensive-care stations. Since its introduction, the A330 MRTT has participated in important missions, including enhanced air policing and aerial surveillance, ensuring the territorial integrity of allied nations.
The A330 MRTT combines advanced technology with more than 325,000 hours of operational experience as a strategic tanker. The aircraft is the world’s first tanker certified for boom automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R), which enhances safety and efficiency during missions. These features, along with its proven performance, establish the A330 MRTT as a reliable and versatile asset that holds 90% of the new-generation tanker market outside the USA with 84 orders from 17 customers.
