The Italian Air Force intends to launch a competition soon to select a new aerial refueling aircraft, opening up the possibility of acquiring the Airbus A330 MRTT, a Defense News source said.
In 2022, the service had decided to acquire six new Boeing KC-46A Pegasus to replace its KC-767s, however, at the beginning of July it informed the Ministry of Defense that it had canceled the plan, citing “changed and unforeseen needs”.
It’s yet another turnaround since the Air Force revealed it intended to upgrade the KC-767 and acquire two more aircraft in 2021.
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The following year, the Italian government changed its mind and announced that it would acquire six KC-46A, an aerial refueling variant developed by Boeing over the 767-200.
The A330 MRTT operates in several NATO countries
The package was valued at US$1.2 billion and would see Italy join the US Air Force (USAF), Japan and Israel as operators of the aircraft.
However, the KC-46 has experienced several problems during its first years of operation, which may have been an additional reason for the change of plans.
The A330 MRTT, in turn, has won over several customers, including European countries and members of NATO, of which Italy is also a member.
The Italian Air Force has not ruled out the KC-46 yet, but may seek more advantageous terms as part of a tender.
