Overview
- Italy has signed a roughly €1.393–€1.4 billion deal with Airbus to buy six A330 MRTT multi‑role tanker transport aircraft and integrated logistics support to replace its four KC-767A tankers.
- Official procurement records differ on administrative details, with one set of documents listing an April 16 signature and a 10‑year term and other Italian defence papers citing a Feb. 23 signature and a 96‑month term.
- The procurement followed a failed open tender and then a restricted EEA tender that produced only an Airbus bid, leaving competition for the contract limited during the restart of the replacement program.
- Airbus said it will open a second A330 MRTT conversion and MRO centre in Seville by end‑2027 to raise annual conversion capacity and help meet a thicker global order book for the MRTT family.
- The move expands Italy’s tanker capacity and increases commonality with other European A330 MRTT operators, a shift that could affect Italy’s refuelling interoperability, delivery timing and long‑term support needs.