Thailand has ordered a single instance of the brand new, upgraded Airbus A330 Multi Function Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+).
Primarily based on the upgraded A330-800 platform, this order will not be solely the primary aerial refuelling plane ever for Thailand but in addition the primary order for the upgraded MRTT+ variant. The A330-800 is one among two fashions within the A330neo, or new engine choice, household, which has been developed following the massive success of the A320neo program.
In addition to offering an aerial refuelling functionality, the plane will give Thailand a extremely succesful transport operate with the extra position of aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian assist supply. Airbus says that the plane can be delivered with a VVIP specification cabin, although a part of the cabin will seemingly preserve a normal increased density passenger configuration for basic personnel transport, in addition to for accommodating the employees and press entourage throughout VVIP transport.
Thailand 🇹🇭 has acquired one A330 MRTT+, the improved A330neo-based model of the A330 Multi Function Tanker Transport! ✈️
The plane’s superior capabilities can be instrumental in securing Thailand’s sovereignty, offering Humanitarian Help and Catastrophe Reduction (HADR), and… pic.twitter.com/NqY4ffW8KK
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) September 25, 2025
Jean-Brice Dumont, head of Air Energy at Airbus Defence & Area mentioned: “Thailand’s choice of the A330 MRTT+ underlines the belief positioned on this platform, whereas embracing the subsequent evolution in effectivity, functionality and sustainability. This pure evolution of the A330 MRTT, which can be a key asset for the Royal Thai Air Drive operations, builds on its confirmed efficiency over the previous years in service with 9 prospects everywhere in the world, accumulating greater than 340,000 flight hours.”
The A330 MRTT+ was first unveiled in 2024 on the Farnborough Worldwide Airshow, incorporating the A330-800’s new Trent 7000 engines and improved aerodynamic efficiencies. These present for a nine-tonne enhance within the plane’s most take-off weight in addition to a gas saving of as much as 8% in comparison with the earlier mannequin.
Although the primary operator of the MRTT+, the unique MRTT is in extensive use with quite a lot of air forces. Over sixty MRTT airframes have been delivered, they usually kind the spine of Europe’s natural aerial refuelling power. Nearer to Thailand, the MRTT can be operated by Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. 95% of the MRTT+ airframe stays widespread with the unique A330 MRTT, simplifying logistics and affording entry to the intensive help community for the Airbus A330 mannequin all through the world.
Airborne from Udon Thani, Thailand
Singapore 🇸🇬 Air ForceMRTT 763 at 23,150ft#AvGeek #Planespotting pic.twitter.com/UOMHp6xc9r
— qooᴎꙄʏqooᴎꙄɘʜT (@TheSnoopySnoop) March 23, 2023
The A330-800 airframe destined for the Royal Thai Air Drive is already in manufacturing and is predicted to be delivered to Getafe in Spain for the navy conversion course of subsequent 12 months. Last supply to Thailand is scheduled for 2029. Geared up with each wing-mounted hose and drogue refuelling pods, in addition to a fuselage-mounted refuelling growth, the MRTT+ will be capable of refuel Thailand’s probe-equipped Gripen fighters in addition to its receptacle-equipped F-16s.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was moreover signed between Airbus and Thai Aviation Industries that can see upkeep and help features for the MRTT+ undertaken domestically inside Thailand. The 2 firms have already collaborated by Thailand’s fleet of Airbus C-295 transport plane, that are supported by an identical association.
Fleet Modernisation
The order of an A330 MRTT+ is the most recent growth in a wider effort to recapitalise the Royal Thai Air Drive’s stock and put together for future necessities. 2025 has already seen Thailand’s air power undertake dwell fight missions within the nation’s border dispute with neighbouring Cambodia, however wider geopolitical instability within the area has the potential to spill over and require a way more trendy defence power.
Gripen E/F plane will exchange Thailand’s older F-16s and complement an current fleet of Gripen C and Gripen D fighters. A observe on order is feasible to interchange extra of the F-16s, although there may be additionally nonetheless a need to obtain increased functionality fifth-generation fighter plane. A earlier try to buy a really small power of F-35A Lightning IIs was reportedly refused by the U.S. Authorities over considerations that Thailand was not able to help the coaching or technical necessities necessitated by NATO’s mainstay stealth fighter.
The RTAF’s ageing fleet of Northrop F-5s are scheduled for withdrawal by 2031. These F-5s have not too long ago undergone a serious improve course of supported by Elbit Programs. Upgrades embrace a tactical datalink operate permitting speedy communication with Gripen and F-16 fighters and Thailand’s Saab 340 airborne early warning fleet, help for contemporary missiles just like the IRIS-T, and lots of of Israel’s podded merchandise just like the LITENING focusing on pod and Sky Defend digital warfare pod. The cockpits have been up to date with trendy digital shows in addition to Elbit’s DASH IV helmet-mounted show. These upgrades are hoped to make sure the venerable F-5 can nonetheless play a job within the trendy battlespace till a alternative may be sourced.
