The Spanish Air and Space Force has officially inducted its first Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) into service with the 45th Wing. This aircraft is the first of three multi-role tanker and transport planes acquired by Spain’s Ministry of Defence in November 2021.
Based at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base near Madrid, the aircraft was delivered from Airbus’s facilities in Getafe, where the conversion center for the A330 MRTT is located. Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, stated, “With the arrival of this A330 MRTT, the Spanish Air and Space Force now operates the world’s best tanker aircraft. This addition not only enhances interoperability with allied forces but also boosts Spain’s strategic autonomy, airlift capabilities, and in-flight refuelling capacity.”
The A330 MRTT for Spain is equipped with a modern hose-and-basket refuelling system, offering a range of 16,000 kilometers and endurance of over 18 hours of flight. It’s the only new-generation tanker and strategic airlifter in service today, with a substantial fuel load of 111 tonnes, enabling it to carry out aerial refuelling missions without requiring additional fuel tanks.
Its wide-body design also allows the A330 MRTT to operate as a transport aircraft, capable of carrying up to 300 personnel or a 45-tonne payload. Additionally, the aircraft can be fitted with a Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit, making it suitable for carrying stretchers and intensive care units.
The second and third A330 MRTTs for Spain are currently being converted in Getafe. Meanwhile, the Spanish Air and Space Force has been using unconverted A330s for various missions, including personnel and equipment transport, as well as evacuations such as the recent operations in Niger and Sudan, as part of the Pacific Skies exercise in 2024.
Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus, dedicated to providing advanced defense, space, and security solutions across the globe. It plays a vital role in supporting armed forces, governments, and commercial customers with cutting-edge technologies in military aircraft, satellite systems, intelligence services, and secure communications. Known for its innovation and strategic capabilities, Airbus Defence and Space contributes to national security, space exploration, and global connectivity, offering products like the Eurofighter Typhoon, Earth observation satellites, and launch services. With a focus on resilience, sustainability, and digital transformation, the division continues to shape the future of aerospace and defense.
