Poland confirms planned MRTT procurement
A NATO MRTT was displayed at the ILA Berlin Airshow 2026 adorned in a German flag. Poland is set to become the latest customer for the tanker-transport aircraft, with procurement talks now in their final stages. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
Poland is in the closing stages of negotiating the procurement of Airbus Defence and Space (DS) A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, a government minister confirmed on 22 June 2026.
Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said discussions were taking place to acquire an undisclosed number of tankers via the European Union's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financing programme. These will enable the Polish Air Force (Inspektorat Sił Powietrznych: ISP) to better operationally support both its Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and its recently received Lockheed Martin F-35PL Husarz (Hussar) combat fleets.
“Ahead of us are the final talks on purchasing MRTT aircraft—for air-to-air refuelling as part of the Polish SAFE programme. Thanks to them, our F-35s will be able to operate further, longer, and with greater effectiveness. This is one of those capabilities that truly enhance the strength of the Polish Armed Forces!”, Kosiniak-Kamysz said ahead of a visit to Spain, where the MRTT is built.
The minister provided no further details on prospective MRTT numbers or delivery dates, and did not say when he expected the contract to be finalised.
With the ISP having prioritised the recapitalisation of its frontline combat assets over recent years, attention is now turning to developing those enablers that the service has traditionally done without, including aerial refuelling.
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