The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and Airbus have entered into a new conversion contract for four A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) jets.
The aircraft are expected to begin being converted in 2026 and delivered from 2027 to carry out air-to-air refueling and transport missions.
The RSAF’s A330 MRTT will be equipped with hose and drogue pods, boom system and also refueling receptacle, which allows the aircraft to be refueled from boom-equipped tankers.
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“This new order demonstrates the high level of customer satisfaction with the A330 MRTT”, said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defense and Space. “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”.
90% of the tanker market outside US
The contract also includes a logistics support package with spare parts, training services and service support for the new four aircraft, Airbus said.
The agreement with Airbus also includes the transfer of technology and knowhow 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 localization,” the company added.
The A330 MRTT dominates 90% of the tanker market outside the United States, with 82 orders from 15 countries in Europe, Asia, America and Oceania.
Saudi Arabia currently operates six aircraft of the type.
