Should the PAF Consider the Airbus A330 MRTT?

Today, I attended a media briefing where Airbus Defense presented their product offerings for the Philippines’ defense requirements. They showcased a lot, including the A400M, the C295 MPA, the H225M helicopter, and the A330 MRTT. I was excited to learn that the A330 MRTT is being proposed to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as a support aircraft for the upcoming Multi-Role Fighter acquisition. So, why should the PAF consider the A330 MRTT?

First of all, MRTT stands for Multi-Role Tanker and Transport aircraft. It is actually based on the A330-200 airframe, which can be converted into MRTT versions. Second, it is not just a fuel tanker; the MRTT is a full A330-200 that can even carry passengers. So, aside from air-to-air refueling missions, the A330 MRTT can be used for repatriation missions and even as a VIP transporter. The aircraft can also be configured for MedEvac missions, where its cabin layout can include 40 stretchers, 20 seats for medical staff, and 100 passengers. It can carry up to 37 tonnes of cargo in the lower deck: 27 LD3 containers or eight military pallets. If you look at it, the A330 MRTT even has windows; hence, it is unlike a KC-135 tanker, which is purely intended to be an aerial refueler.

A330 MRTT for the Philippine Air Force

So why will the A330 MRTT be very important for the PAF? With the upcoming re-Horizon 3 program, in which the acquisition of MRFs is a part, support aircraft are needed for the PAF to operate longer hours in the sky. Regardless of whether the PAF ends up with the Lockheed Martin F-16V Vipers or the Saab JAS39 Gripen E, the A330 MRTT is fully equipped to provide air-to-air refueling for these jets without the need for them to land at an airbase to refuel. These fighters can patrol Philippine borders longer, especially now when geopolitical tensions are rising. The A330 MRTT can refuel these jets via a refueling boom or a hose and drogue located on the underwing pods.

Additionally, the A330 MRTT is equipped with automatic refueling, a technology that allows the tanker to refuel other aircraft without much human intervention. You can read more about the MRTT’s automatic air-to-air refueling here. The MRTT can also refuel other support aircraft being offered to the PAF, like the A400M and the C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, via a Fuselage Refueling Unit.

Multi-Role

As mentioned earlier, the A330 MRTT is more than just a tanker; it plays several other roles. The aircraft can carry up to or more than 300 passengers comfortably. This would be ideal for repatriation missions by the Philippine government, especially since there are many OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). Usually, the Philippine government uses commercial planes, which they charter for long-range repatriation, or their C-130s for shorter-range repatriation missions. The A330 MRTT would allow the government to conduct repatriation missions without relying on commercial airlines. The aircraft does not use an additional fuel tank in its fuselage for refueling missions; hence, the cabin can be configured like a typical A330 of a commercial airline.

So, if you look at how the A330 MRTT would be beneficial for the PAF’s requirements, I believe that the plane is very capable in many ways—from air-to-air refueling to repatriation missions, and even as a VIP transporter. Currently, the PAF uses seven C295s in its fleet. The A330 MRTT would definitely be a valuable addition to the PAF fleet, where it can play multiple support roles. I hope this plane fits within the PAF’s budget. The purchase of MRFs is not enough; we also need more support planes.