In a major step for European air mobility and multinational defence cooperation, the Spanish Air and Space Force integrated its first Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) into operational service earlier this spring. The aircraft—one of three to be acquired by Spain—is now contributing to national and European strategic transport and aerial refuelling capabilities.
The aircraft is a converted civilian Airbus A330-200, originally operated by Iberia. Its transformation into a full MRTT configuration was carried out at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Getafe, Spain. The multi-month conversion process included the installation of advanced hose-and-drogue refuelling systems and a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit—enabling the aircraft to fulfil both military and humanitarian missions with agility.
Initially delivered to the Spanish Air and Space Force in November 2021 in a strategic transport configuration, the aircraft was formally handed over as a fully equipped MRTT on 31 March 2025. It is operated by the 45th Wing, based at Torrejón Air and Space Force Base near Madrid.
The same day, the aircraft conducted its inaugural MRTT flight—a logistical transfer from the Getafe facility to its home base at Torrejón. Its first operational mission under EATC authority followed shortly after, on 2 April, in support of Operation Atalanta. This marked the aircraft’s entry into the multinational planning and tasking framework that defines the EATC model.
Spain’s MRTT capability complements the existing fleet operated by EATC member nations and the Multinational MRTT Unit. It represents a concrete contribution to Europe’s joint force projection capacities and reflects the cooperative spirit at the core of EATC’s mission—Together we go Beyond.
This development also aligns with the goals of the European Union Defence Industrial Strategy, demonstrating the value of in-Europe transformation of former civilian assets into dual-use military platforms. Spain’s MRTT is a tangible result of industrial, national, and multinational collaboration in service of European security and strategic reach.
Images courtesy of © Airbus Defence and Space.