Airbus A330 MRTT auto-refueling gets go-ahead with world-first certification

Airbus and Singapore have achieved full certification of the Automatic Air-to-Air Refueling (A3R) capability on the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

Collaboration between Airbus, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Defense Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) began in 2020, with the aim of validating and accelerating entry into service of the A3R system.

On February 4, 2026, Airbus announced that certification had been granted by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), following a qualification and flight-test campaign conducted with the RSAF and DSTA.

Airbus described the achievement as a “key milestone” in the A330 MRTT’s platform development and one that “marks a world-first in aviation”.

The Airbus #A330MRTT has achieved a world first aviation milestone by completing an automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) flight test campaign in night conditions – a key step towards certification in 2025. Between May and June this year, @TheRSAF A330 MRTT embodying the latest… pic.twitter.com/XhaAZhQnq9— Airbus Newsroom (@AirbusPRESS) July 23, 2024 With this certification, the RSAF has become the first air force globally to introduce A3R on its fleet of A330 MRTTs.

The A3R system employs advanced automation and computer vision technologies to automatically detect, track and engage receiver aircraft, without the need for manual input.

“The certification of A3R with Singapore is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of what long-term partnership can deliver,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO at Airbus Defense and Space. “Singapore has consistently led the adoption and co-development of next-generation aerospace technologies.”

He added: “Airbus is proud to support the RSAF and DSTA in fielding a capability that will shape the future of air-to-air refueling.”

Meteb AliThe certification program encompassed day and night missions, expanded flight envelopes, and multiple receiver aircraft types, ensuring full mission readiness.

The flight trials took place both in Spain and Singapore, with the RSAF providing the A330 MRTTs, as well as F16s and F15s, to act as receivers to support the testing and validations.

Major-General Kelvin Fan, Chief of Air Force at Republic of Singapore Air Force, said: “The RSAF is pleased to have partnered with DSTA and Airbus in pioneering the world’s first A3R capability. This development will enhance the RSAF’s aerial refueling operations, contributing to greater operational effectiveness.”

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