NATO Summit 2026: Alliance to expand strategic airlift capacity

NATO has announced that Finland is to join the A330 MRTT (foreground)-based MMF, while a new A400M (background) multinational fleet will be established to expand alliance strategic airlift capacity. (Airbus)

NATO is to expand its strategic airlift capacity, with the establishment of a multinational fleet of Airbus Defence and Space (DS) A400M transport aircraft and the expansion of the Multinational MultiRole Tanker Transport (MRTT) Fleet (MMF).

Announced on the opening day of the NATO Summit 2026 in Ankara, Türkiye, on 7 July, the two initiatives will see seven member countries establish a shared pool of A400M aircraft along similar lines to the MMF, and the addition of Finland to the eight MMF countries that operate the Airbus DS A330 MRTT.

“This multinational initiative builds on the success of the MMF. It is designed to address strategic airlift capability gaps among European allies, with the eventual establishment of a multinational fleet centred on the Airbus A400M military aircraft,” Airbus said. “Alongside the A400M agreement, NATO has officially announced the incorporation of Finland as a new member of the MMF, expanding the base of participating nations and reinforcing European sovereignty in critical defence capabilities,” it added.

Comprising Belgium, Croatia, France, Poland, Spain, Türkiye and the United Kingdom, the A400M multinational fleet will see the different levels of cooperation among participating nations, ranging from a multinationally owned and operated A400M fleet to related services such as maintenance, training support, infrastructure and procurement.