The Spanish Air and Space Force has officially deployed its first Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) aircraft with the 45th Wing. This aircraft is the first of three that were acquired by the Spanish Ministry of Defence in November 2021.
Delivered from Airbus’ Getafe facilities in Madrid, where the A330 MRTT conversion center is located, the aircraft will operate from Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base, Madrid. It is designed to enhance Spain’s aerial refuelling, transport, and strategic capabilities.
The A330 MRTT is equipped with a hose-and-basket refuelling system and has an endurance exceeding 18 flight hours, along with a range of 16,000 kilometers. With a base fuel load capacity of 111 tonnes, the aircraft can carry out aerial refuelling missions without the need for additional fuel tanks. The A330 MRTT’s wide-body design allows it to function as a transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 300 personnel or up to 45 tonnes of payload. Additionally, it can be configured for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions, with stretchers and intensive-care stations.
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTTs for Spain are currently being converted at the Getafe facility. The 45th Wing has already utilized unconverted A330s for military personnel and equipment transport, such as during the 2024 Pacific Skies exercise and the evacuation of Spanish nationals from Niger and Sudan.
📌 Spain’s first @Airbus A330 MRTT enters service with the Air and Space Force, enhancing aerial refueling and transport capabilities.
📎 https://t.co/Pdjv5BGTUi pic.twitter.com/HQ9WcyPNRp
— Defensehere (@defensehere_en) April 11, 2025