Airbus has secured a new order from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for four additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. These aircraft will bolster the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) aerial refueling and strategic airlift capabilities.
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Colin Cooke Photo, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This agreement marks the third A330 MRTT contract between Airbus and Saudi Arabia, solidifying the RSAF’s position as one of the world’s leading MRTT operators. Saudi Arabia currently operates 6 MRTT aircraft, and the first of the newly ordered aircraft will enter conversion in early 2026 and is expected to join the RSAF by 2027, bringing their total fleet to 10.
The RSAF’s A330 MRTT aircraft are equipped with a range of features to enhance their aerial refueling and transport capabilities. These include hose and drogue pods for refueling fighter jets and other compatible aircraft mid-air, a center-line refueling boom for safe and efficient fuel transfer, and a refueling receptacle that allows the MRTTs themselves to be refueled from boom-equipped tankers, extending their operational range.
“This new order demonstrates the high level of customer satisfaction with the A330 MRTT,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
The contract also includes a comprehensive logistics support package encompassing spare parts, training services, and ongoing maintenance support for all four new aircraft.
This agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the country’s economy. In January 2024, Airbus signed an Industrial Participation (IP) agreement with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) to foster the development of a robust domestic industrial ecosystem in support of Vision 2030.
This partnership includes the transfer of technology and expertise related to the RSAF’s A330 MRTTs to local companies. SAAMS, a joint venture between SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) and Airbus, will play a key role in facilitating this industrial localization.
This acquisition strengthens the RSAF’s aerial refueling and strategic airlift capabilities. It also underscores Airbus’ commitment to supporting the development of a robust aerospace industry in Saudi Arabia.
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