Royal Thai Air Force orders an A330 MRTT+ from Airbus

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has ordered an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+), Airbus announced on 25 September 2025.

The aircraft will be equipped with both boom and hose-and-drogue and refuelling systems, as the RTAF operates F-16s, which use the former, as well as F-5s and Gripen C/Ds (with Gripen E/Fs on order), which use the latter. It will also come with the Airbus Medical Evacuation kit solution and a VVIP cabin configuration. It is scheduled to enter into military conversion at Airbus’ A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with final delivery to customer in 2029.

“Thailand’s selection of the A330 MRTT+ underlines the trust placed in this platform, while embracing the next evolution in efficiency, capability and sustainability. This natural evolution of the A330 MRTT, which will be a key asset for the Royal Thai Air Force operations, builds on its proven performance over the past years in service with nine customers all over the world, accumulating more than 340,000 flight hours,” Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defence and Space, was quoted as saying in a company press release.

Airbus asserted that the RTAF’s MRTT+ order “marks a significant step in bolstering Thailand’s national defence, and enhancing its ability to respond effectively during crises”, adding that the aircraft’s “advanced capabilities will be instrumental in securing Thailand’s sovereignty, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and supporting medical evacuation (medevac) missions.

Launched at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, the A330 MRTT+ introduces innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner, including Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, optimised aerodynamics and wing-tips. These deliver up to 8% lower fuel burn and reduced noise. An increased maximum take-off weight of 242 tonnes (up from 233 tonnes) further extends range, increases fuel offload capacity and enhances operational flexibility.

Retaining 95% airframe commonality with the current A330 MRTT fleet, the A330 MRTT+ ensures a common training process and access to a robust global maintenance network.

The A330 MRTT, which is cleared to refuel more than 25 aircraft types and holds more than 90% of the market share of air tankers outside the United States, has been ordered by Australia, Canada, France, NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF), Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. To date a total of 85 aircraft have been ordered by 11 customers.

In parallel with the RTAF’s MRTT+ order, Airbus says it will further strengthen its collaboration with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI). Both companies have signed an expanded memorandum of understanding (MoU) to include in-country maintenance support for the MRTT+. This expansion builds on the existing co-operation for the sustainment of Airbus C295 transport aircraft in Thailand.

The expanded MoU also marks an important step in Airbus’ long-term strategy to align with the country’s ‘Make in Thailand’ policy. By expanding TAI’s scope of activities to include A330 MRTT+ maintenance and in-service support, Airbus will support the Royal Thai Armed Forces in increasing self-reliance for critical operational needs while contributing to local capability building.