Saudi Arabia Expands Air Fleet with Four More Airbus A330 MRTT Aircraft

Saudi Arabia has confirmed the purchase of four Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, as announced by the country’s defence ministry. This acquisition marks the third contract between the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and Airbus for the A330 MRTT model, further solidifying the RSAF as one of the largest operators of this versatile aircraft.

The A330 MRTT is already a vital component of the RSAF, serving dual roles in air-to-air refueling and as a transport aircraft. The new deal not only boosts the operational capabilities of the RSAF but also includes a comprehensive package aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia’s domestic aerospace sector. This package encompasses a technology transfer to local companies, a logistics support arrangement inclusive of spare parts, and provisions for training and service support.

Airbus has scheduled the first of these new aircraft to be operational with the RSAF by 2027. Jean-Brice Dumont, the head of air power at Airbus Defence and Space, highlighted the significance of this ongoing partnership, which supports Saudi Arabia’s broader strategic goals.

Earlier in the year, Airbus and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) signed an agreement focused on localizing the manufacture of multi-mission refueling aircraft and their components. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious target to localize over 50% of its military spending on equipment and services by 2030, aiming to bolster its domestic military industrial base and reduce reliance on foreign imports.