NSPA orders two additional Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft as Sweden and Denmark join multinational fleet

This development coincides with the formal accession of Sweden and Denmark to the MMF programme, reinforcing European defence cooperation and strategic autonomy. The participation of these nations expands the programme’s multinational base and further strengthens European sovereignty in vital defence capabilities.

The MMF programme is jointly funded by the Netherlands and Luxembourg, with progressive involvement from Norway, Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. It grants participating nations exclusive operational rights to the NATO-owned fleet through a pooling arrangement designed to ensure commonality, interoperability, and cost efficiency.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, stated: “The expansion of the Multinational MRTT Fleet with two additional aircraft and the addition of Sweden and Denmark to the programme underscores Europe’s commitment to collective defence and strategic autonomy.” He added, “Airbus is proud to contribute to this effort by delivering state-of-the-art A330 MRTTs produced and converted in our Toulouse and Getafe facilities. This collaboration exemplifies how European industry can respond effectively to evolving security challenges through innovation and cooperation.”

The Airbus A330 MRTT is a modern multi-role aircraft capable of air-to-air refuelling, strategic transport, and medical evacuation missions. With a fuel capacity of up to 111 tonnes, it can support long-range NATO operations across Europe and beyond.

Its wide-body design allows for the transport of up to 300 troops or a payload of up to 45 tonnes. The aircraft can also be configured with a Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit, supporting stretchers and intensive-care units for medical operations.

Since entering service, the A330 MRTT has played a key role in missions such as aerial surveillance and enhanced air policing, contributing to the protection of NATO airspace. It combines modern technology with over 325,000 operational hours as a strategic tanker.

The aircraft is the first in the world to be certified for boom automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R), improving safety and mission efficiency. With 84 orders from 17 customers, the A330 MRTT currently holds 90% of the new-generation tanker market outside the United States.