NATO receives new and eighth A330 refuelling aircraft

NATO has received its eighth A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, which landed at Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands.

Here's What We Know

The aircraft will be used in allied refuelling missions, as well as for passenger and cargo transport.

It is planned that the aircraft will be equipped with refuelling containers as part of the hose and support system, which will allow it to refuel other aircraft flying longer-range missions in NATO.

Two more of the latest refuelling aircraft will be delivered around 2026. NATO's MRTT fleet consists of units from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway.

The multinational MRTT fleet was launched in 2023, using Eindhoven as its main operating base and establishing a forward operating base in Cologne, western Germany. These aircraft are considered the "backbone of NATO's air power" and have flown more than 500 missions and refuelled hundreds of fighter jets in air control missions.

Flashback

The Airbus A330 MRTT is a multirole refuelling aircraft based on the A330 civilian aircraft. It was developed by Airbus for aerial refuelling and transport of cargo and passengers. The A330 MRTT is equipped with modern refuelling systems, including the ARBS (Aerial Refuelling Boom System) and under-wing refuelling nacelles. The aircraft can carry up to 111 tonnes of fuel, which allows it to refuel several aircraft in one flight. In addition, it can carry up to 300 passengers or 45 tonnes of cargo.

Source: NATO