On September 25, 2025, the Airbus Group announced that it had signed a contract for the supply of one Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+) tanker aircraft to the Thai Air Force. Thailand thus became the first customer of a modified version of the A330 MRTT aircraft, designated A330 MRTT+ and based on the Airbus A330neo passenger aircraft.
Image of an Airbus A330 MRTT+ tanker aircraft in Thai Air Force paint (c) Airbus
The contract parameters are not disclosed. It is reported that work on the conversion of the newly built A330neo aircraft into a tanker for Thailand will begin at the Airbus plant in Getafe (Spain) in 2026, with delivery of the aircraft to the customer in 2029.
The A330 MRTT+ aircraft for Thailand will be equipped with both a refueling rod and two hose-cone refueling devices. Thailand has also ordered aircraft cabin retrofitting kits for medical evacuation and for VVIP transportation.
Unveiled for the first time at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2024, the A330 MRTT+ uses key innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner, including new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, optimized aerodynamics and wingtips. This reduces fuel consumption by up to 8% and reduces noise levels. The increased maximum take-off weight of the aircraft to 242 tons (from 233 tons for the A330 MRTT) further increases flight range, increases the amount of fuel transferred and increases operational flexibility.
Thailand has become the 11th customer of the Airbus A330 MRTT family of tankers, and with its contract, the total number of aircraft manufactured or ordered in the family has reached 85 units.
In addition, on September 26, the Airbus Group announced the signing of a contract for the supply of two multi-purpose Airbus Helicopters H225 helicopters to the Thai Air Force, intended for use primarily as search and rescue and medical helicopters. The Thai Air Force has been using 12 H225M helicopters since 2015.
Image of an Airbus Helicopters H225M helicopter in Thai Air Force paint (c) Airbus
