The Spanish Air and Space Force marked a significant milestone on April 11, 2025, as its first Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) officially entered service. The aircraft joins the 45th Wing based at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base near Madrid.
This versatile aircraft is the first of three acquired by the Spanish Ministry of Defence following an order placed in November 2021. It was delivered following its conversion at the Airbus A330 MRTT conversion center located in Getafe, Madrid.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the aircraft’s value. He stated the MRTT provides “interoperability with allied nations and strategic autonomy,” while significantly boosting Spain’s “projection, aerial evacuation and in-flight refuelling capabilities.”
Equipped with a modern hose-and-basket refueling system, the Spanish A330 MRTT boasts impressive endurance, capable of flying for over 18 hours. Its range extends to 16,000 kilometers, supported by a large basic fuel capacity of 111 tonnes without requiring additional fuel tanks.
Beyond its primary refueling role, the A330 MRTT leverages its wide-body fuselage for transport missions. It can carry up to 300 troops or a payload of up to 45 tonnes (99,000 lb) and can also be configured with specialized Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kits.
The remaining two A330 MRTTs destined for Spain are currently undergoing their conversion process in Getafe. Before conversion, the base A330 aircraft were already actively used by the 45th Wing for transport duties, including supporting the Pacific Skies exercise in 2024 and conducting evacuation flights from Niger and Sudan.
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