Dubai Airshow 2021: UAE signs for two more MRTTs

The UAE is to add a further two A330 MRTT aircraft to the three it already operates. (Airbus)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed for a further two Airbus A330 MultiRole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft to add to the three already fielded.

Announced at the Dubai Airshow on 14 November, the sale will see the two new aircraft delivered from 2024. With the new aircraft being built to the latest enhanced configuration, the deal will see the three existing airframes, first received in 2013, upgraded to the same standard.

The intent to augment the UAE MRTT fleet was first announced at the Dubai Airshow 2019, although at the time it was reported that the UAE Air Force and Air Defence (AFAD) would acquire an additional three aircraft. In opting for a follow-on sale from Airbus, the UAE has seemingly obviated its earlier stated requirement for the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus. The Transport Wing of the UAE AFAD operates its MRTT Squadron out of Sas Al Nakheel in Abu Dhabi.

As the clear market leader for international tanker transport sales, the A330 MRTT has been sold to Australia, France, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as the Multinational MRTT Fleet members Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway.