The certification confirms the system’s maturity, safety and reliability across a wide range of mission profiles, with Singapore becoming the first air force globally to introduce automatic refuelling on its A330 MRTT fleet. The aircraft are operated by 112 Squadron, setting a new benchmark for automated air-to-air refuelling operations.
Mike Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “The certification of A3R with Singapore is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of what long-term partnership can deliver.” He added: “Singapore has consistently led the adoption and co-development of next-generation aerospace technologies, and Airbus is proud to support the RSAF and DSTA in fielding a capability that will shape the future of air-to-air refuelling.”
Ng Chad-son, Chief Executive of the Defence Science and Technology Agency, said: “Achieving full certification of A3R is a significant achievement as Singapore’s A330 MRTTs can now perform automatic refuelling both in daytime and at night.” He said the programme “showcases effective technology integration and sets a new benchmark on automatic aerial refuelling globally.”
Major-General Kelvin Fan, Chief of Air Force at the Republic of Singapore Air Force, said: “The RSAF is pleased to have partnered with DSTA and Airbus in pioneering the world’s first A3R capability.” He added that the development “will enhance the RSAF’s aerial refuelling operations, contributing to greater operational effectiveness.”
Work on the A3R system began in 2020 and included day and night missions, expanded flight envelopes and multiple receiver aircraft types, with trials conducted in Spain and Singapore. Developed under Airbus’s SMART MRTT vision, the system uses advanced automation and computer vision to reduce crew workload, improve precision and enhance mission safety.
