On Friday, 11 July 2025, the European Air Transport Command (EATC) successfully controlled and tactically commanded its first Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) mission involving a French Air and Space Force (FASF) A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport). This milestone marks a further step in deepening multinational cooperation in the field of air mobility and refuelling operations.
The five-hour mission, conducted under EATC’s operational authority, took place between Istres and a designated refuelling area (EHD), where Belgian Air Component F-16s were actively training. The mission saw the French MRTT deliver 26,5 tons of fuel to eight Belgian F-16 fighter aircraft, achieving a total of 51 refuelling contacts. In addition to enhancing multinational interoperability, the mission also contributed to the currency of a French boom operator, ensuring continued readiness and proficiency in boom AAR procedures.
This success illustrates the evolving role of EATC in the planning, tasking, and coordination of boom-type AAR missions, and underscores the seamless collaboration between EATC and the French Air and Space Force. It also highlights the strategic potential of the A330 MRTT fleet within Europe’s integrated air mobility framework.
As we continue to develop and integrate advanced refuelling capabilities across participating nations, this mission stands as a testament to EATC’s commitment to operational excellence, joint training, and collective readiness.