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Jul 26 2022

NSPA awards multi-year contract to Airbus for the Multinational MRTT Fleet sustainment

LUXEMBOURG – The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded a multi-year contract to Airbus Defence and Space to provide Follow-on Support Services to the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) until the end of 2032. This contract is a key step for the sustainment of the multinational fleet, which will soon reach Initial Operational Capability to provide six Allied Nations with strategic transport, air-to-air refuelling, and medical evacuation capabilities.

On 26 July 2022, a signing ceremony took place at the MMF Forward Operating Base in Cologne, bringing together key stakeholders to mark the event. Representatives from NSPA, the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), the Multinational MRTT Unit, Airbus Defence and Space, Rolls Royce, and AirTanker attended the ceremony.

From left to right: Stephan Miegel (Head of Military Air Systems Services, Airbus Defence and Space), Colonel Jurgen van der Biezen (MMU Commander), and Ms Stacy Cummings (NSPA General Manager).

This contract demonstrates the value of competition and the collaboration across nations and to respond to common defence and security requirements.

Ms Stacy Cummings, NSPA General Manager

We are very honoured to have been awarded the Follow-on Support Contract. It was a tough competition with the top global players in the military MRO industry. Airbus intends to continue supporting the MMF fleet for many more years, and is always ready to include additional aircraft into our support model.

Mr Stephan Miegel, Head of Military Air Systems Services of Airbus Defence and Space

Initiated by the European Defence Agency (EDA) in 2012 and managed by the NSPA, the Multinational MRTT Fleet comprises Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic, who have the exclusive rights to operate the NATO–owned aircraft in a pooling and sharing arrangement. The MMF stands as a prime example of effective cooperation between NATO and the European Union when delivering critical capabilities to their members. To date, five out of nine aircraft ordered have been delivered, with two subsequent deliveries expected in the coming days.

Further to the signing ceremony, participants had the opportunity to visit the aircraft, learn about the aeromedical equipment, and visit the workshop.