Singapore, Airbus A330 MRTT Auto-Refuelling Fully Certified In World-First Feat
SINGAPORE and Airbus have achieved full certification of the Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R) capability on the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). The Certification was granted by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) following an extensive qualification and flight-test campaign conducted in close collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).
This represents a key milestone in the continued development of the A330 MRTT platform and marks a world-first in aviation, with the campaign confirming the A3R system’s maturity, safety, and reliability across a wide range of mission profiles. With this certification, the RSAF becomes the first air force globally to introduce A3R on its fleet of A330 MRTTs, operated by 112 Squadron, setting a new benchmark for automated refuelling.
“The certification of A3R with Singapore is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of what long-term partnership can deliver. Singapore has consistently led the adoption and co-development of next-generation aerospace technologies, and Airbus is proud to support the RSAF and DSTA in fielding a capability that will shape the future of air-to-air refuelling”, said Airbus Defence and Space CEO Mike Schoellhorn
DSTA Chief Executive Ng Chad-son added, “Achieving full certification of A3R is a significant achievement as Singapore’s A330 MRTTs can now perform automatic refuelling both in daytime and at night. DSTA worked very closely with the RSAF and Airbus to advance innovation, enhance safety and reduce crew workload. This attainment showcases effective technology integration and sets a new benchmark on automatic aerial refuelling globally.”
RSAF chief Major General Kelvin Fan also remarked that “The RSAF is pleased to have partnered with DSTA and Airbus in pioneering the world’s first A3R capability. This development will enhance the RSAF’s aerial refuelling operations, contributing to greater operational effectiveness. It also reflects the RSAF’s commitment to working with industry partners to innovate and remain at the leading edge of technology.”
The joint effort between Airbus, RSAF and DSTA began in 2020 to validate and accelerate entry into service of the A3R system. The certification programme encompassed day and night missions, expanded flight envelopes, and multiple receiver aircraft types, ensuring full mission readiness. The flight trials took place both in Spain and Singapore, with the RSAF providing the A330 MRTTs, as well as F16s and F15s, as receivers to support the testing and validations.
Developed by Airbus as part of its SMART MRTT vision, the A3R system employs advanced automation and computer vision technologies to automatically detect, track, and engage receiver aircraft, without the need for manual input. By reducing operator workload and enhancing precision, A3R improves mission safety, and delivers greater operational flexibility for air forces operating the A330 MRTT.
Last September, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) ordered an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+) which uses the A330neo based on the evolved combat-proven, aerial refuelling and transport A330 MRTT. The RTAF’s future A330 MRTT+ will be equipped with both the hose-and-drogue, and a boom for air-to-air refuelling (AAR) systems. Furthermore, Airbus’ Medical Evacuation kit solution will come in a VVIP cabin configuration.
The aircraft is scheduled to enter into military conversion at the A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with final delivery to customer in 2029. Retaining 95% airframe commonality with the current A330 MRTT fleet, the A330 MRTT+ ensures a common training process and access to a robust global maintenance network.
Launched at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, the A330 MRTT+ introduces innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner, including Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, optimised aerodynamics and wing-tips. These deliver up to 8% lower fuel burn and reduced noise. An increased maximum take-off weight of 242 tonnes (up from 233 tonnes) further extends range, increases fuel offload capacity, and enhances operational flexibility.
The A330 MRTT is cleared to refuel more than 25 aircraft types. Holding more than 90% of market share outside the United States, the A330 MRTT has been ordered by Australia, Canada, France, NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF), Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. To date a total of 85 aircraft have been ordered by 11 customers.
Singapore is currently the only Southeast Asian nation operating the A330 MRTT aircraft, proving its vast capabilities by sending humanitarian to Gaza and evacuating citizens from Afghanistan.