The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has placed an order for an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+), an advanced version of the A330 MRTT aerial refueling and transport aircraft.
The platform will include both hose-and-drogue and boom refueling systems, a VVIP cabin, and Airbus’ medical evacuation kit for rapid response in complex operational scenarios.
It is set to undergo military conversion at the A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, starting in 2026, with delivery to Bangkok expected by 2029.
‘Next Evolution’ Asset
Unveiled in 2024, the A330 MRTT+ incorporates enhancements from the A330-800 commercial airliner, including Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, optimized aerodynamics, and wingtip modifications, which reduce fuel consumption by up to 8 percent and lower noise levels.
Its maximum take-off weight increases to 242 tonnes (533,519 pounds), extending range, fuel offload capacity, and operational flexibility.
The plane keeps 95 percent of the airframe design with the existing A330 MRTT fleet, allowing for standardized training and access to Airbus’ global maintenance network.
Similar to its base variant, the MRTT+ can refuel more than 25 types of aircraft and accounts for over 90 percent of the global market outside the US.
Once operational, Airbus said the MRTT+ will support the RTAF in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and medical evacuation missions, as well as broader operational tasks.
“Thailand’s selection of the A330 MRTT+ underlines the trust placed in this platform, while embracing the next evolution in efficiency, capability and sustainability,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
“This is a natural evolution of the A330 MRTT, which will be a key asset for the Royal Thai Air Force operations.”
Supporting Thai Industry
In conjunction with the A330 deal, Airbus is expanding its collaboration with the state-owned Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) for in-country maintenance support of Bangkok’s incoming MRTT+.
The agreement builds on existing cooperation for sustaining C295 transport aircraft and aligns with the Southeast Asian government’s “Make in Thailand” policy, aimed at boosting the local aerospace industry and independence.
Airbus and TAI previously announced a separate collaboration for domestic support of the RTAF’s H225 multirole helicopter fleet, which grew by two aircraft under a contract signed earlier this month.
“Through our partnership with TAI, Airbus is committed to transferring skills, know-how, and technology to further develop aerospace capabilities in Thailand,” Dumont stated.
“This expanded [memorandum of understanding] ensures the RTAF’s A330 MRTT+ will be maintained in-country, while reinforcing Thailand’s defence ecosystem and industrial growth.”
