Poland eyes acquiring Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft

Poland is currently evaluating the acquisition of two to four Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft in a deal potentially worth up to approximately €1 billion.

The acquisition is linked to the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, a major EU defence financing initiative that supports the expansion of defence capabilities among member states. Poland has been authorised to request funding from its SAFE allocation, estimated at about €43,7 billion, and has submitted an official request to the European Commission to procure the aircraft.

The A330 MRTT would provide both in-flight refuelling and strategic airlift capabilities, increasing operational reach and reducing reliance on allied assets.

Currently, Poland is not participating in NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF). Although it was involved in early negotiations on forming the fleet, Poland withdrew from the programme around 2015 - 2016, shortly before the formal agreement was signed. The decision was driven by financial concerns, as the required contribution was considered substantial and potentially detrimental to other defence modernisation priorities. In addition, the expected economic benefits for Polish industry were deemed insufficient, and there was a strategic preference within Polish defence circles to pursue a nationally controlled aerial refuelling capability rather than rely on a multinational pool.

With Poland pursuing its own acquisition of A330 MRTT aircraft rather than re-integrating into the MMF, the possibility of discussions on future cooperation is not ruled out.

Credit photo (just illustrative): Paco Rivas (Scramble Archive)