The Spanish Air Force will be the newest operator of Airbus’ MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) military transport jet.
The country’s Ministry of Defense signed an agreement to receive three aircraft. One of the planes will be an A330 belonging to Iberia that will be converted by 2024. The first MRTT will be delivered in 2023 and the last, in 2025.
Iberia’s A330 will be equipped with a hose & drogue refueling system and a specific Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit at the premises of Getafe, an Airbus subsidiary in Spain.
‘With the addition of the A330 MRTT to its fleet, the Spanish Air Force acquires a key and providing new capability, which will enhance and support overseas operations, as well as medevac missions, on which the aircraft played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis worldwide,’ said Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President Military Aircraft at Airbus.
Based on the A330-200, the MRTT can carry 111 tonnes of fuel, in addition to carrying 300 soldiers or 45 tonnes of cargo.
According to Airbus, there are currently 51 MRTT in operation with 13 customers.
