Thailand signs deal to become Airbus MRTT+ launch customer

An artist's impression of the Airbus MRTT+ in service with the Royal Thai Air Force. (Airbus)

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has signed a contract with Airbus to procure the enhanced version of the company's A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

The deal positions Thailand as the first customer for the new MRTT Plus (MRTT+), which was launched in 2024, and also provides the RTAF with its first tanker capability.

Airbus said on 25 September that its contract with the RTAF features the sale of a single MRTT+, which is based on the A330-800neo airliner and is powered by twin Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, equipped with both the boom and hose-and-drogue refuelling systems, a VVIP cabin, and a medical evacuation kit.

Airbus said the aircraft is scheduled to undergo military conversion at its A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with delivery to the RTAF in 2029. The value of the contract was not disclosed but it is reportedly about THB12 billion (USD372 million).

An RTAF spokesperson told Janes that the service initially plans to operate the MRTT+ from its Wing 6 unit, which is based at Don Mueang Air Base in Bangkok. The spokesperson also said the RTAF has a plan to procure additional air-to-air refuelling (AAR) aircraft.

“We have a draft plan to operate more AAR aircraft,” the spokesperson said, although he indicated that additional purchases will not be initiated soon.

In terms of offsets linked to the new MRTT+ deal, the RTAF spokesperson said the service's priority is to ensure that Thai industry is able to maintain and sustain the aircraft effectively. However, he also said that “further negotiations” on offsets were planned between the RTAF and Airbus.

An Airbus spokesperson told Janes