Spain has approved a seven-year framework agreement with Poland to jointly acquire Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for 5.4 billion euros ($6.2 billion).
Executed through the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financing assistance, the deal covers up to seven platforms and associated logistical support.
Through the process, Warsaw will receive four tankers by 2030, with Madrid expected to acquire the remaining three.
The Spanish Air and Space Force currently has three A330s on order from Airbus, with the first delivered in April 2025.
Additional steps will be completed to finalize the procurement process, according to the governments.
‼️Wczoraj rząd Hiszpanii wydał zgodę na procedowanie w ramach wspólnych zakupów z Polską z programu SAFE, co najmniej 7 samolotów do tankowania i transportu Airbus A330 #MRTT. Kolejnym krokiem będzie podpisanie finalnej umowy. Co najważniejsze, do 2030 roku Polska otrzyma 4… pic.twitter.com/5MRcMBnaw8
— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) August 26, 2026
Adopting ‘Key’ Asset
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized in an earlier statement that Warsaw’s planned MRTT acquisition will address a critical capability gap for the Polish Air Force as it integrates its new F-35 fighters into service.
The combat aircraft fleet will eventually include 32 platforms. Initial delivery of the jets was facilitated in May 2026, with three now commissioned into operational service.
“The Polish Air Force desperately needs to fully utilize the F-35’s potential,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
“In Poland, a key issue is airlift and refueling aircraft. We have had situations where previous governments postponed or failed to make decisions, or even blocked the development of these capabilities. Our government is determined to introduce airlift and refueling capabilities,” he added.
The Airbus A330 MRTT
The A330 is 59 meters (194 feet) long, has a wingspan of 60 meters (197 feet), and carries up to 111,000 kilograms (244,713 pounds) of fuel.
It has a payload capacity of 45,000 kilograms (99,208 pounds), or up to 290 passengers, and is powered by either two Rolls-Royce Trent 772Bs, two General Electric CF6-80E1s, or two Pratt & Whitney PW4170 engines.
The twin-engine system produces approximately 340,000 to 360,000 horsepower, enabling the tanker to achieve a flight speed of 475 knots (880 kilometers/547 miles per hour), cover up to 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 kilometers/9,206 miles) of range, and operate at 13,000 meters (42,651 feet) of altitude.