Poland intends to receive four of the aircraft by 2030, while the remaining three would be allocated to Spain under the initial plan. Financing is expected to come through the European Union’s SAFE instrument.
The framework does not complete the individual purchases. Spain and Poland must each negotiate and sign separate implementing contracts before their orders can proceed.
Developed from the commercial Airbus A330 airliner, the A330 MRTT combines aerial refuelling with passenger, cargo and medical-evacuation functions. It can carry both hose-and-drogue equipment and a rigid refuelling boom, making it compatible with more than 25 certified aircraft types.
The modular cabin can be reconfigured within several hours to carry passengers, military personnel or VIPs. In an aeromedical configuration, the aircraft can accommodate up to 130 stretchers for wounded or ill patients.
Its main cargo deck can also carry standard containers and pallets. This enables operators to shift the aircraft between refuelling, troop transport, freight and medical missions.
Poland is being offered the latest MRTT+ version, based on the A330-800 passenger aircraft. The variant is designed to provide greater efficiency and operational capacity than the current MRTT derived from the older A330-200.
Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and aerodynamic changes reduce fuel consumption by about 8% and lower noise levels. Maximum take-off weight increases from 233 to 242 tonnes, creating additional capacity for range, cargo or fuel available for transfer in flight.
