The NATO Support Procurement Agency (NSPA) has ordered two additional Airbus A330 MRTTs to strengthen its multinational multipurpose tanker (MMF) fleet, bringing the total fleet to 12.
Deliveries are scheduled for 2028 and 2029, according to a statement released on the official Airbus website. This fleet expansion is due to Sweden and Finland’s recent accession to NATO and MMF programmes, and is a measure to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and NATO’s collective defense capabilities.
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In addition to the already operating bases in Eindhoven, the Netherlands and Cologne, Germany, a third forward base will be set up in Denmark. This new base will improve air transport capacity in the Nordic region, helping to strengthen medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) response capabilities and improve efficiency in aerial refueling operations. This initiative will increase NATO’s strategic flexibility in Scandinavian Europe.
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The Airbus A330 MRTT is a multifunctional platform that combines air refueling, strategic troops and freight transport, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). It can be equipped with up to 111 tons of fuel, making it ideal for long-range missions and tactical support across Europe.
With its wide aircraft design, the A330 MRTT can transport up to 300 soldiers or 45 tonnes of cargo. Additionally, it can also be equipped with a complete medical kit that includes a stretcher and intensive care unit.
By 2025, Airbus has already produced more than 60 A330 MRTTs, received orders of over 70 aircraft, and is operated by 11 countries and one NATO multinational coalition. The growing demand speaks to the fact that the A330 MRTT is a reliable and flexible strategic solution for the Atlantic Alliance mission.
Source and Image: X @AirbusDefence | Airbus. This article was created with the support of AI and was reviewed by the editorial department.
