A Royal Saudi Air Force Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) | Photo: Pablo Cabellos del Sol/Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus announced earlier this week an order for four additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force (RSAF).
Airbus said in a statement ‘The first of these aircraft will enter into conversion at the beginning of 2026; they will enter into service and join the RSAF in 2027 to carry out air-to-air refuelling and transport missions.’
The statement quoted Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, as saying, “This new order demonstrates the high level of customer satisfaction with the A330 MRTT,” adding, “This is the third contract signed by Saudi Arabia for the A330 MRTT, making the RSAF one of the largest MRTT operators in the world.”
RSAF A330 MRTT aircraft ‘are configured with hose and drogue pods, boom system and also refuelling receptacle, which allows the A330 MRTT to be refuelled from boom-equipped tankers’ and the order includes a ‘logistics support package with spare parts, training services and service support for the new four aircraft.’ The RSAF already operates six A330 MRTT aircraft.
The statement also said Airbus signed an Industrial Participation (IP) agreement with GAMI (General Authority for Military Industries) for the development and growth of the industrial ecosystem in the region in support of Vision 2030, a Saudi-government programme that aims to diversify the country’s economy, in January 2024 as part of this contract.
‘This agreement also includes the transfer of technology and know-how of the RSAF A330 MRTT to local companies. SAAMS, the joint venture created between SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military industries) and Airbus, will be the main vehicle for industrial localisation,’ said the statement.
A total of 82 A330 MRTT aircraft have been ordered by 15 countries, with at least 60 delivered and in service.
