NATO Orders More Airbus A330 MRTT Aircraft

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 announcement was made on Airbus’s official website.

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.

In addition to the main operating base in Eindhoven (Netherlands) and the forward operating base in Cologne (Germany), a third forward operating base is planned in Denmark to support regional operations. This will specifically enhance air mobility for the Nordic countries, improve medical evacuation readiness, and provide refueling capabilities. This addition increases NATO’s strategic operational flexibility in Northern Europe.

Airbus A330 MRTT is a multi-role aircraft that combines air-to-air refueling, strategic airlift, and medical evacuation capabilities. With a fuel capacity of up to 111 tonnes, it can carry out long-range missions in support of NATO operations across Europe and beyond.

Its wide-body design allows it to transport up to 300 troops or carry a payload of up to 45 tonnes.

The aircraft can also be equipped with a dedicated Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit, which includes stretchers and an intensive care unit.

As of 2025, Airbus has already produced over 60 A330 MRTT aircraft, with total orders exceeding 70 – a clear indication of the growing demand for these versatile tankers.

All company’s produced aircraft are operated by 11 countries around the world, as well as by one NATO multinational unit.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Royal Canadian Air Force had ordered nine Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft.