Saudi Arabia Orders Four More Airbus A330 MRTTs For Royal Air Force

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed an order for four additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF). The first of these aircraft will begin conversion in early 2026 and will join the RSAF fleet in 2027 to perform air-to-air refuelling and transport missions.

"This new order demonstrates the high level of customer satisfaction with the A330 MRTT," said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence 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."

In January 2024, Airbus signed an Industrial Participation (IP) agreement with GAMI (General Authority for Military Industries) to support Vision 2030, a Saudi-government initiative aimed at diversifying the country's economy. This agreement includes technology transfer and know-how related to the RSAF A330 MRTT to local companies.

The contract also includes a logistics support package that provides spare parts, training services, and service support for the new aircraft. All RSAF A330 MRTTs are equipped with hose and drogue pods, boom systems, and refuelling receptacles, enabling them to be refuelled by boom-equipped tankers.

SAAMS, a joint venture between SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) and Airbus, will be the primary vehicle for industrial localisation under this agreement. This collaboration aims to develop and grow the industrial ecosystem in the region.

The A330 MRTT is recognised as a highly capable new-generation tanker and transport aircraft. It holds a 90% market share outside the USA with 82 orders from 15 countries across Europe, Asia, America, and Oceania.

This latest contract underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities while supporting local industry growth through strategic partnerships and technology transfers.