The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed an order for four additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for its air force.
The new tankers will enter service with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) in 2027, with conversion work set to begin in early 2026.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “This new order demonstrates the high level of customer satisfaction with the A330 MRTT.”
The contract marks Saudi Arabia’s third order for the A330 MRTT, making the RSAF one of the largest operators of the type globally.
In addition to the aircraft, the deal includes a logistics support package covering spare parts, training services and support for the new tankers.
The RSAF’s A330 MRTTs are configured with hose and drogue pods, a boom system and a refuelling receptacle, allowing them to be refuelled by boom-equipped tankers.
As part of the agreement, Airbus signed an Industrial Participation deal with Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries in January 2024.
This arrangement aims to support the development of the local aerospace industry in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification program.
The deal includes provisions for technology transfer related to the A330 MRTT to local companies, with SAAMS – a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Military Industries and Airbus – serving as the primary vehicle for industrial localisation.
Airbus reports that the A330 MRTT holds a 90% market share outside the United States in the new-generation tanker and transport aircraft segment, with 82 orders from 15 countries across Europe, Asia, America and Oceania.
