Saudi Arabia signs contract to buy 4 Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft

Logo of Ministry of Defense

The Ministry of Defense announced today, July 10, that it signed a contract with Airbus Defense and Space to purchase four Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).

Khaled Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, confirmed that the contract aims to raise the operational capabilities of the RSAF in air-to-air refueling and transport missions.

In addition, the Kingdom is keen on enhancing the capabilities of the Ministry of Defense in transporting troops and equipment and developing the defense capabilities.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defense and Space, said: "This is the third contract signed by Saudi Arabia for the A330 MRTT, making the RSAF one of the largest MRTT operators in the world".

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the industrial participation (IP) agreement will boost manufacturing capabilities that support the Saudi aviation industry.

The contract included a logistics support package with spare parts, training services and service support for the new four aircraft.

The agreement also included the transfer of technology and know-how of the RSAF A330 MRTT to local companies through SAAMS—the joint venture between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Airbus.

This step is in line with the company's efforts and commitment to raising the standards and prospects of the defense industries in the Kingdom and localizing military equipment and services.