NATO’s multinational MRTT fleet expands with ninth aircraft

The new aircraft, designated MMF-09 (T-062), completed its acceptance process in less than four weeks. This efficiency ensures continued support for the six participating nations, enhancing their capabilities in air-to-air refuelling, passenger and cargo transport, and medical evacuation.

The official Transfer of Title was signed by NSPA’s MRTT Programme Manager, André van Nispen, at Airbus Defence and Space headquarters in Getafe, Spain. Following the signing, the aircraft was transferred to the MMU’s Forward Operating Base (FOB+) in Cologne, Germany.

The Multinational MRTT Fleet represents a successful example of NATO and European Union cooperation in strengthening military air capabilities. Based on a pooling and sharing model, the programme allows participating nations to collectively own and operate the fleet while sharing operational costs.

Owned by NATO and managed by NSPA, the fleet provides participating nations with commonality, interoperability, and cost efficiencies. The aircraft are operated by the MMU, which consists of military personnel from the member nations and is based at Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Cologne in Germany.