NATO MMU to receive additional MRTT aircraft

The Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) located at Eindhoven Airbase in the Netherlands is to receive an additional Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) announced on 28 September.

The MMU will now operate nine MRTT aircraft for the MMF capability, following Luxembourg’s decision to increase its commitment to the multinational programme. (NSPA)

The decision, which will increase the multinational fleet to nine aircraft, has been made in response to Luxembourg’s decision to increase its contribution to the capability that also includes Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway.

“This ninth aircraft is part of the three additional options originally included in the contract. The order will be placed by the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) to Airbus Defence and Space, on behalf of NSPA,” the agency said, noting that the additional aircraft is now required after Luxembourg disclosed that it would increase its required flight hours from 200 to 1,200.

The MMU operates the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker and Transport Fleet (MMF) on behalf of the six participating nations. Managed by the NSPA with support from the OCCAR, the capability will provide pooled access to aerial refuelling (hose-and-drogue and boom/receptacle), strategic passenger and cargo airlift, as well as aero-medical evacuation (medevac) capabilities.