Singapore Airshow 2026: Singapore, Airbus obtain full certification for aerial refuelling capability
One of SingaporeÊŒs six A330 MRTT aircraft seen here at the Paya Lebar Airbase in September 2023. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)
Singapore and Airbus have attained full certification for the automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) capability on the Airbus A330 multirole tanker transport (MRTT).
The certification, announced by Airbus and Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) during the Singapore Airshow 2026, is granted by Spain's National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA).
It follows a qualification and flightâtest campaign conducted with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and DSTA.
Singapore first deployed the system operationally for daytime missions in 2022 and has now extended certification to night refuelling.
The certification milestone confirms the capabilities of the A3R system across a range of mission profiles, including day and night operations.
With this, the RSAF becomes the first air force globally to field a fully certified A3R capability on its fleet of A330 MRTTs operated by the service's 112 Squadron.
The A3R system uses computerâvision technologies to detect, track, and engage receiver aircraft without manual control inputs, reducing operator workload and enhancing mission safety.
The joint development effort of the system began in 2020, with DSTA contributing to system design reviews and algorithmic improvements tailored to operational needs.
The testing campaign involved missions in both Spain and Singapore, with RSAF Fâ15s and Fâ16s supporting the trials as receiver aircraft.
For more, please see:
Distance and flexibility: Singapore enhances long-range air superiority capabilities with A3R
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