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Jul 29 2022

NSPA delivers sixth and seventh aircraft to the Multinational MRTT Unit

LUXEMBOURG - On 27 and 29 July 2022, the sixth and seventh A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft of the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) were delivered to the Unit, at its Main Operating Base in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

The partnership with Airbus is a great example of how strategic dialogue and cooperation with industry are essential for NATO's defence capability planning, development and delivery. The MMF programme is also an excellent example of how NSPA supports our Allies with key defence capabilities, from the acquisition throughout the entire life cycle of the system.

Ms Stacy Cummings, NSPA General Manager

NSPA General Manager, Ms Stacy Cummings and Airbus Military Air System Executive Vice President, Mr Jean Brice Dumont in front of aircraft #7, prior to the ferry flight.

The seventh aircraft is the last delivery of the first acquisition tranche; the next two aircrafts are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024. The Multinational MRTT Fleet will soon reach Initial Operational Capability, with a fleet of seven aircraft, ready to provide its six participating nations with strategic transport, air-to-air refuelling and aeromedical evacuation capabilities.

The sixth aircraft was delivered only two days before, on 27 July 2022. In the picture, MMU Commander and pilots after the ferry flight.

Initiated by the European Defence Agency (EDA) in 2012 and managed by the NSPA, the Multinational MRTT Fleet comprises Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic, who have the exclusive rights to operate the NATO–owned aircraft in a pooling and sharing arrangement. The MMF stands as a prime example of effective cooperation between NATO and the European Union when delivering critical capabilities to their members. To date, the programme consists of contracted nine aircraft, but it is expected to grow in the future.