In April 2022, NSPA was tasked by the six MRTT Support Partnership (SP) participating nations, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway, to execute a business case analysis for the acquisition of an Airbus A330 MRTT FMS, including maintenance, operation and training. AIRBUS Defence and Space was selected in October 2023, after NSPA had issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) to Industry, in February 2023.
The contract consists of several services packages with the main one being the FMS composed of a Full Flight Simulator, an Air-to-Air Refuelling Operation Station and an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Data Package.
The availability of an FMS in the Netherlands, close to Eindhoven, will provide MRTT SP nations with more flexibility in scheduling of initial and recurring training for both pilots and Aerial refueling Operators (AROs), while saving the cost of traveling to the Airbus Defence and Space simulator in Seville, Spain. Moreover, the requirement will also save MRTT flight hours dedicated specifically to keep flight crews current.
“The MMF Programme remains an example of best practice in multinational cooperation, in which NSPA provides participating nations with efficient, effective and responsive solutions for acquisition and life cycle management of the MRTT aircraft and its supporting systems. This contract is the successful result of the strong cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space and this will contribute to the enhancement of interoperability and training amongst Allies”, said Stacy A. Cummings, NSPA General Manager.
