TSAMTO, October 23. On October 20, Airbus Defense and Space announced the completion of the delivery of three A-330 MRTT multi-purpose tanker aircraft ordered by the Spanish Ministry of Defense in 2021.
The third A-330 MRTT aircraft was transferred to the 45th Air Wing of the Spanish Air Force, stationed at the Torrejon de Ardos Airbase (Madrid-Torrejon airport).
In total, as part of an order placed in 2021, Airbus Defense and Space has converted three A-330 airliners purchased from Iberia to the MRTT configuration (including a medical evacuation kit) at its Getafe facility. The aircraft are equipped with standard refueling containers on the wingtips. Although the design of the aircraft provides for the possibility of installing a central refueling rod, it is currently not installed, since the Spanish Air Force does not have aircraft refueling with such a system.
As reported by CAMTO, the Spanish government approved the purchase of three A-330-200 MRTT (Multirole Tanker Transport) aircraft for the country's Air Force, the cost of which is estimated at 675 million euros (803 million dollars), in June 2021.
In November 2021, the Spanish Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Airbus Defense and Space for the supply of three A-330 MRTT, related support, including the supply of spare parts, ground support equipment, training and maintenance services.
Under the contract, the airliners purchased from Iberia were converted into refueling vehicles equipped with Cobham 905E hose-cone type underwing refueling stations and a special medical evacuation kit (MEDEVAC). The aircraft are also prepared to install (if necessary) a refueling rod in the rear of the fuselage.
The first A-330-200 in the basic version arrived at the Torrejon de Ardoz air Base in December 2021, the second in May 2022. After the transfer in September 2022, the third A-330 was immediately transferred to Airbus Defense and Space for conversion. The first Spanish Air Force aircraft converted to the A-330 MRTT configuration was received in April 2025, the second in October 2025.
All aircraft are operated as part of the 45th Air Wing at the Torrejon de Ardoz Airbase. Currently, with a range of over 13,000 km, the A-330 MRTT is the only strategic aircraft in the Spanish Air Force.
In August 2026, the authorities of Spain and Poland reached an agreement on the joint purchase of a batch of A-330 MRTT. According to the bilateral agreement, the Spanish Air Force is to receive three more aircraft. The supply contract has not yet been signed.
The announcement of the purchase of additional A-330 MRTTs follows the announcement made in May 2026 by Airbus Defense and Space about the opening of a new A-330 aircraft conversion facility in Spain to meet increased customer demand. The company announced that a new plant will be opened in Seville by the end of 2027, which will complement the existing facility in Getafa. It will increase the number of converted civilian aircraft to military versions from five to seven per year. The company will also carry out maintenance, repair and overhaul work on the A-330 MRTT.
