NATO orders two more Airbus A330 MRTT as Sweden and Denmark join pooled tanker fleet
June 24, 2025
NATO has placed an order for two additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The order, placed on the opening day of the NATO summit in The Hague, 24 June, takes the alliance’s pooled fleet of MRTTs to 12.
The additional aircraft are set to be delivered in 2028 and 2029, with the order announced as Sweden and Denmark formally join the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) programme.
“The expansion of the Multinational MRTT Fleet with two additional aircraft and the addition of Sweden and Denmark to the programme underscores Europe’s commitment to collective defence and strategic autonomy,” says Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
“Airbus is proud to contribute to this effort by delivering state-of-the-art A330 MRTTs produced and converted in our Toulouse and Getafe facilities,” Dumont continues. “This collaboration exemplifies how European industry can respond effectively to evolving security challenges through innovation and cooperation.”
Why NATO needs more MRTTs
The A330 MRTT is widely regarded as one of the most capable tankers on the export market. With a fuel capacity of 111 tonnes, it can refuel both fast jets and large aircraft in-flight, while also transporting up to 300 troops or 45 tonnes of cargo.
It can be rapidly reconfigured for medical evacuation missions, with space for stretchers and intensive care stations.
Modern NATO forces are built around fuel-hungry aircraft like the F-35. Without adequate tanker support, these fighter jets require in-air refuelling to sustain patrols.
In any major European conflict, such as disruption on NATO’s eastern flank, both aerial refuelling and strategic airlift become essential. A European-built platform like the MRTT accommodates all these needs while also reducing reliance on US-built assets.
Strategic airlift and long-range refuelling have been identified as key spending priorities by NATO. The 5% of GDP spending target is being formally adopted at the NATO summit this week, with the timely order from Airbus showcasing the alliance’s commitment to growth.
In total, 15 countries have now ordered the A330 MRTT, including Australia, the UK, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
What is the MMF?
The MMF (Multinational MRTT Fleet) is a NATO-managed program that provides a shared fleet of Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft to European allies. Rather than each country owning its own tankers, participants share the fleet, using flight hours in proportion to their contribution.
The Netherlands leads the initiative, joined by Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, Norway and the Czech Republic. The accession of Sweden and Denmark today brings the membership to eight.
Sweden’s accession comes just over a year after it officially became a NATO member, marking a rapid shift from neutrality to active contribution of shared strategic assets. For Denmark, the move builds on long-standing collaboration within NATO’s Northern Group and defence integration with neighbouring partners.
Launched in 2016, the MMF allows NATO to own the aircraft, which are managed through the NSPA (NATO Support and Procurement Agency).
