NSPA delivers sixth and seventh aircraft to the multinational MRTT unit.

On 27 and 29 July 2022, the sixth and seventh A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft of the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) were delivered to the Unit, at its Main Operating Base in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

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 The sixth and seventh aircraft were delivered to the MMF unit at its Main Operating Base in Eindhoven, the Netherlands (Picture source: NSPA - Nato Support and Procurement Agency.)

The delivery of the seventh aircraft represents the final major delivery milestone under OCCAR management, as the Cooperation Agreement between OCCAR and NSPA ends on 31 December 2022. "I would like to thank OCCAR for the professionalism demonstrated during the last eight years of cooperation on this important project. Your dedication during the acquisition phase has been essential to the success of the project", Ms Cummings added, addressing OCCAR representatives during the Transfer of Titles ceremony.

The seventh aircraft is the last delivery of the first acquisition tranche; the next two aircrafts are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024. The Multinational MRTT Fleet will soon reach Initial Operational Capability, with a fleet of seven aircraft, ready to provide its six participating nations with strategic transport, air-to-air refuelling and aeromedical evacuation capabilities.

Initiated by the European Defence Agency (EDA) in 2012 and managed by the NSPA, the Multinational MRTT Fleet comprises Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic, who have the exclusive rights to operate the NATO–owned aircraft in a pooling and sharing arrangement. The MMF stands as a prime example of effective cooperation between NATO and the European Union when delivering critical capabilities to their members. To date, the programme consists of contracted nine aircraft, but it is expected to grow in the future.

"The partnership with Airbus is a great example of how strategic dialogue and cooperation with industry are essential for NATO's defence capability planning, development and delivery. The MMF programme is also an excellent example of how NSPA supports our Allies with key defence capabilities, from the acquisition throughout the entire life cycle of the system." said Ms Stacy Cummings, NSPA General Manager.