NATO Multinational MRTT Fleet increases as two more KC-30 tanker aircraft are ordered.
Report: Jaryd Stock.
Images: Daniel Vorbach, Joel Thomas, Airbus
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.
The two additional aircraft will be delivered in 2028 and 2029. 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 Air Power 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.
MMU KC-30 refuelling a Italian Navy AV-8B Harrier over Australia last year during Pitch Black 24.
Jaryd Stock is based in Sydney Australia. He has been a die-hard aviation enthusiast from a young age when he was chauffeured around by his father to various airshows and airports around Australia. At his first Airshow he witnessed the awesomeness of a General Dynamics F-111C and immediately fell in love with aviation.
Jaryd picked up a camera at a young age and has never looked back. He now combines photography and writing to highlight “Downunder” aviation; especially U.S. DoD units. Jaryd uses Nikon cameras and lenses.