The first A-330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) for the Spanish Air and Space Force has entered into service with the 45th Wing. This is the first of three multi-mission tanker and transport aircraft acquired by the Spanish Ministry of Defence in November 2021. 

The airplane, which will operate from Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base, Madrid (Spain), has been delivered from the Airbus facilities in Getafe (Madrid), where this aircraft conversion center is based.

The model for the Spanish Air and Space Force is equipped with a state-of-the-art, hose-and-basket refuelling system and has an endurance of more than 18 flight hours and a range of 16,000 kilometers.

The A-330 MRTT is the new-generation tanker and strategic airlifter currently available and operational. Its large basic fuel load capacity of 111 tonnes allows it, among other functions, to successfully perform aerial refuelling missions without the need for additional fuel tanks. 

Thanks to its wide-body fuselage, this plane can be used as a transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 300 troops or a payload of up to 45 tonnes (99,000 lb). In addition, this model can be configured with a dedicated Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit, allowing the installation of different stretcher modules and intensive-care stations.

The second and third units for Spain are currently undergoing conversion at Getafe, Madrid. The 45th Wing of the Spanish Air and Space Force has so far used these unconverted A-330s to transport military personnel and equipment in the Pacific Skies exercise in 2024 or the evacuation of Spanish nationals from Niger or Sudan.