The Spanish Air and Space Force has officially welcomed the first of three Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) aircraft into service, significantly enhancing its air refuelling, transport and medical evacuation capabilities. The aircraft will operate with the 45th Wing from Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base near Madrid.
Acquired by the Spanish Ministry of Defence in November 2021, the A330 MRTT was delivered following its conversion at Airbus’s specialised facility in Getafe, Madrid. This milestone marks a major step forward in Spain’s efforts to modernise its air fleet and strengthen its operational autonomy.
“With the entry into service of this first A330 MRTT, the Spanish Air and Space Force now has the world’s best tanker aircraft in its fleet,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. He highlighted the aircraft’s ability to deliver interoperability with allied forces, along with greater strategic reach and flexibility for missions such as aerial refuelling and evacuation.
The A330 MRTT is a next-generation multi-role aircraft featuring a state-of-the-art hose-and-basket refuelling system, and an impressive endurance of more than 18 hours. With a range of up to 16,000 kilometres and a fuel capacity of 111 tonnes, it can refuel a variety of allied aircraft mid-air without requiring additional tanks.
Its wide-body design allows it to serve as a transport aircraft carrying up to 300 troops or 45 tonnes of cargo. Additionally, it can be configured for medical evacuation missions, equipped with intensive-care units and stretcher modules.
The second and third A330 MRTTs for Spain are currently undergoing conversion. In the interim, the Spanish Air and Space Force has been using these unconverted aircraft for transport operations during missions such as the Pacific Skies exercise in 2024 and the evacuation of nationals from conflict zones in Niger and Sudan.
This strategic acquisition places Spain among the ranks of nations equipped with one of the most capable and versatile aircraft currently in military service.
