Italy Awards Airbus Contract for Six A330 Tanker Aircraft
The Italian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Airbus for six A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft. The deal is valued at 1.4 billion euros and covers a period of roughly ten years.
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defensenews.comThe Italian Ministry of Defense awarded a contract to Airbus for six A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft. 6 billion dollars, and was recorded on the European Union's Tenders Electronic Daily portal. The contract was concluded on April 16 and is scheduled to run for approximately ten years.
An earlier Italian procurement document had listed the program as signed in February with an eight-year duration.
Had announced plans in 2022 to purchase Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers. The effort was halted in 2024 after officials cited changed requirements, leading the Italian Air Force to consider other options. The A330 aircraft can fly up to 8,700 nautical miles and carry a maximum payload of 45 tonnes.
Italy would become the 19th operator of the type once deliveries occur. An Airbus representative declined to comment on the contract. The Italian Ministry of Defense did not respond to a request for comment.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2022
Italy announced plans to acquire Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers.
1 sourceBreaking Defense - Summer 2024
Italy halted the KC-46 procurement citing changed requirements.
1 sourceBreaking Defense - February
Italian procurement document listed A330 tanker contract as signed.
1 sourceBreaking Defense - April 16
Contract between Italy and Airbus was formally concluded.
1 sourceBreaking Defense
Potential Impact
- 01
Italy will operate the A330 tanker alongside 18 other nations.
- 02
The Italian Air Force will receive new aerial refueling capability.
Transparency Panel
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