Czech Republic joins NATO Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet program.

The multinational fleet arrangement is a concrete step towards reducing the overall European shortage in air-to-air refuelling and the over-reliance on U.S. capabilities. The participants – Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway - are now awaiting the delivery of eight Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft. The first two aircraft are expected to be delivered in May and June 2020, respectively. While the aircraft will be predominantly used for air-to-air refuelling, they can also be used for the transport of people, cargo and for medical evacuation.  

The initiative has been supported by NATO and the European Union. It is an example of effective cooperation between the two organizations when delivering critical capabilities for its members. The aircraft are owned by NATO and procured by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency through the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation. “I am pleased to see our two organizations come together in this way and hope to see more initiatives like this one in the future,” said NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana.