NATO expands multinational tanker fleet to 12 aircraft, welcomes Sweden and Denmark to programme

NATO has ordered two additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, increasing the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) to 12. Deliveries are scheduled for 2028 and 2029. This expansion coincides with the formal accession of Sweden and Denmark to the MMF programme, marking a significant step in strengthening European strategic autonomy and defence cooperation.

The MMF, funded by a coalition including the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, provides shared access to NATO-owned aircraft under a cost-efficient pooling arrangement. The A330 MRTT offers advanced capabilities in air-to-air refuelling, strategic transport, and medical evacuation, supporting NATO missions across Europe and beyond.

Airbus praised the move as a strong example of industrial and defence collaboration, with the A330 MRTT continuing to lead the new-generation tanker market outside the U.S., holding 90% of the market with 84 orders from 17 countries.