Paris, September 28 - In a groundbreaking development for military aviation, Airbus has officially secured the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) as the launch customer for its advanced A330 MRTT+, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of multi-role tanker transport aircraft. Announced on September 25, 2025, this landmark order for a single A330 MRTT+ underscores Thailand's commitment to modernizing its aerial capabilities amid rising regional security demands. The A330 MRTT+, unveiled at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, represents the next-generation iteration of the combat-proven A330 MRTT platform, leveraging the efficiency of the A330neo family to deliver unparalleled performance in aerial refueling, strategic airlift, and humanitarian missions. This deal not only positions the RTAF as a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge tanker technology but also highlights Airbus's dominance in the global aerial tanker market, where the A330 MRTT family commands over 90% share outside the United States. With Thailand's selection, Airbus is poised to ramp up production from its current rate of four to five aircraft annually, signaling robust demand for sustainable and versatile military solutions in Southeast Asia and beyond. The agreement, valued at approximately THB 12 billion (USD 372 million), reflects a strategic investment in sovereignty and operational endurance, as the RTAF transitions from reliance on a single aging A310 MRTT to a fleet-ready asset capable of supporting extended-range operations for its diverse combat aircraft inventory.
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The A330 MRTT+ stands out as a technological leap forward, building on the A330-800neo airliner's innovations to enhance fuel efficiency, range, and adaptability for modern air forces. Powered by twin Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the aircraft achieves an impressive 8% reduction in fuel burn compared to its A330-200-based predecessor, thanks to optimized aerodynamics, advanced winglets, and lightweight materials that minimize environmental impact while maximizing mission flexibility. Retaining 95% commonality with existing A330 MRTT models, it simplifies pilot training, maintenance, and logistics, allowing seamless integration into global support networks. For the RTAF, the customized configuration includes both hose-and-drogue and boom refueling systems, enabling compatibility with over 25 receiver aircraft types, from the service's F-16 Fighting Falcons and upgraded F-5TH Super Tigris jets to the newly ordered Saab Gripen E/F fighters. Additionally, the inclusion of a VVIP cabin for dignitary transport and an integrated medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit expands its utility for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, critical in a typhoon-prone region like Southeast Asia. This versatility positions the A330 MRTT+ as more than just a tanker—it's a strategic enabler for power projection, with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 242 tons and the capacity to offload up to 111 tons of fuel mid-flight, ensuring sustained air superiority in contested environments.
For the Royal Thai Air Force, this acquisition is a cornerstone of its comprehensive fleet modernization strategy, addressing longstanding gaps in long-range aerial refueling that have constrained operations with its mixed fleet of approximately 50 F-16s, 11 Saab JAS 39 Gripens, and supporting Erieye AEW&C platforms. The RTAF's sole existing tanker, an outdated A310 MRTT, has reached the limits of its service life, hampering endurance for patrols over the Andaman Sea and South China Sea amid escalating territorial tensions. By committing to the A330 MRTT+, Thailand is synchronizing its acquisitions—following the August 2025 order for four Gripen E/F jets—with backend infrastructure to extend sortie ranges and response times. The aircraft will initially operate from Wing 6 at Don Mueang Air Base in Bangkok, with plans for in-country maintenance through an expanded memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thai Aerospace Industries (TAI). This partnership emphasizes technology transfer, skill development, and industrial offsets, fostering local expertise in sustaining high-tech platforms and bolstering Thailand's defense ecosystem. Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the significance, stating, “Thailand’s selection of the A330 MRTT+ underlines the trust placed in this platform, while embracing the next evolution in efficiency, capability, and sustainability. This natural evolution builds on its proven performance with nine customers worldwide, accumulating more than 340,000 flight hours.”
As the A330 MRTT+ enters conversion at Airbus's dedicated facility in Getafe, Spain, starting in 2026, with delivery slated for 2029, this order heralds a new era for aerial tanker procurement in Asia-Pacific. The platform's proven track record—85 units ordered by 11 nations, including Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, and the UK—affirms its reliability in diverse theaters, from NATO coalitions to Middle Eastern coalitions. For Thailand, it promises enhanced interoperability with allies, supporting joint exercises and rapid deployment for regional stability. Airbus's commitment to ramping production and local sustainment further cements the A330 MRTT+ as a benchmark for future-proof military aviation, driving down lifecycle costs while elevating operational tempo. This launch customer milestone not only validates the A330neo's military potential but also invites other air forces to explore its blend of commercial efficiency and tactical prowess, potentially reshaping aerial refueling strategies across the globe. With over 340,000 flight hours logged by the MRTT family, the A330 MRTT+ is set to extend that legacy, ensuring the Royal Thai Air Force soars into a more secure and connected future.