The Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force (RSAF) has placed an order for four more Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.
The initial aircraft will undergo modification in early 2026 and then be deployed for duty and integrated into the RSAF in 2027, primarily for air-to-air refueling and transportation tasks.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, reports that Saudi Arabia has recently entered into its third contract for the A330 MRTT. As a result, the RSAF has become one of the leading operators of the MRTT globally.
The contract additionally includes a logistics support package that comprises spare parts, training services, and service support for the four newly acquired aircraft.
The RSAF A330 MRTT aircraft are fitted with hose and drogue pods, a boom system, and a refueling receptacle. This configuration enables the A330 MRTT to be refueled from tankers equipped with booms.
In January 2024, Airbus entered into a contract with GAMI (General Authority for Military Industries) to sign an Industrial Participation (IP) agreement. The purpose of this agreement is to support Vision 2030, a Saudi-government program that aims to diversify the country’s economy, by promoting the development and expansion of the industrial ecosystem in the region.
This deal involves the transfer of both technology and knowhow of the RSAF A330 MRTT to local enterprises. SAAMS, the collaborative enterprise established by SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) and Airbus, will serve as the main channel for achieving industrial localization.
