Poland has moved to acquire Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft, ending nearly a decade of delays in securing the capability. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said the purchase will be financed through the European Union’s new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, under which Warsaw is set to receive about €44 billion in low-interest loans for defence investments.
The decision follows a recent incident that underscored the value of aerial refuelling. On the night of 9 September, Russian drones entered Polish airspace, forcing Polish F-16s to fly long distances to the eastern border and depend on a NATO tanker for mid-air refuelling. Kosiniak-Kamysz called in-flight refuelling a key capability for the Polish Air Force.
Beyond tanker duties, the Airbus A330 platform is highly versatile. With a range nearing 15,000 km, it can carry roughly 110 tonnes of fuel, about 45 tonnes of cargo, or up to 300 passengers, depending on configuration. Officials highlight that such flexibility could be vital for evacuating citizens from crisis zones or supporting other long-distance missions.
Warsaw had withdrawn from a joint European effort to launch a multinational MRTT fleet in 2016, pledging instead to procure aircraft independently. The issue remained unresolved until late 2023, when the current government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced it was working to acquire three to four tankers. The latest announcement signals that the plan is now moving forward, backed by EU funding and renewed political commitment.
Source: TVP World