20 July 2020

by Gareth Jennings

NATO has been cleared to begin training operations on its first recently received Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) announced on 20 July.

The first of eight A330 MRTT aircraft that NATO members Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway are to operate as a joint fleet under the MMF initiative was formally delivered on 29 June. The MMU that operates the fleet is now cleared to commence training operations. (Airbus)

With the first of eight aircraft now at the MMUs main operating base (MOB) at Eindhoven airbase in the Netherlands, the receipt of the required airworthiness certification from the Dutch Military Aviation Authority has now cleared the way for the commencement of training.

The Multinational Multi-Role Tanker and Transport Fleet (MMF) is operated by the MMU on behalf of NATO members Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway. Managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) with support from the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), the capability will provide the six participating nations pooled access to aerial refuelling (hose-and-drogue and boom/receptacle) strategic passenger and cargo airlift, as well as aero-medical evacuation (medevac) capabilities.

With aircraft MMF1 now in the hands of NATO, MMF2 is ready for delivery shortly. As previously noted, MMF3 and MMF4 are currently undergoing military conversion at Airbus facility in Getafe, Spain, and are due to be delivered in October and early 2021 respectively.

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NATO MMU cleared to begin training ops - IHS Jane's 360