Saudi Arabia turns to Airbus for four new military aircraft

Image credit: Thierry Monasse/ Getty Images

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said on Wednesday that the kingdom has placed an order for four additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.

Airbus said the first MRTT aircraft will be converted at the beginning of 2026. It is expected to enter service in 2027 and join the Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force (RSAF) to carry out air-to-air refuelling and transport missions.

The RSAF already flies the A330 MRTT. The aircraft is configured with hose and drogue pods, a boom system, and a refuelling receptacle, which allows refuelling from boom-equipped tankers.

Saudi Arabia’s order includes a logistics support package with spare parts, training services and service support for the new four aircraft.

#وزارة_الدفاع توقع عقدًا مع شركة إيرباص للدفاع والفضاء لشراء 4 طائرات تزود بالوقود متعددة المهام لتعزيز القدرات العملياتية للقوات الجوية. pic.twitter.com/TMe46VlpbK

— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) July 10, 2024

Airbus and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) signed an agreement in January aimed at localising the manufacture of multi-mission refuelling aircraft and their components.

The deal includes transferring the technology and know-how of the RSAF A330 MRTT to local companies. SAAMS, the joint venture created between SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) and Airbus, will be the primary vehicle for industrial localisation.

The kingdom plans to allocate more than 50 per cent of its military spending to domestic equipment and services by 2030.

Read: Saudia turns to Airbus, Boeing wide-body jets amid single-aisle shortage