Saudi Arabia signs for additional MRTT aircraft

Saudi Arabia has signed for four more Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft to add to the six it already operates. (Airbus)

Saudi Arabia has signed for a further four Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft to add to the six already received.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Airbus announced the procurement on 10 July, with the former saying these additional aircraft will enhance the capabilities of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).

Airbus said that the first of these aircraft will enter into conversion at the beginning of 2026, before entering RSAF service in 2027. Neither the Saudi Arabian MoD nor Airbus disclosed a contract value.

Airbus noted a strong industrial element to this procurement, saying that it builds on the Industrial Participation (IP) agreement signed with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) in January for the development and growth of the industrial ecosystem in the region in support of Vision 2030, a Saudi-government programme that aims to diversify the country's economy.

“This agreement also includes the transfer of technology and knowhow of the RSAF A330 MRTT to local companies. SAAMS, the joint venture created between SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) and Airbus, will be the main vehicle for industrial localisation,” Airbus said.