The Air Force took delivery of the first of a planned total of five Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, designated the KC-30A. The aircraft, A39-003, was officially handed over to No 33 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley upon arrival from Madrid, Spain.

Reach is one of air power’s most important characteristics, but for the first four decades of military aviation, reach was limited by the range and endurance of most aircraft. 

The newest generation of tankers, including the KC-30A, continue the improvement of air-to-air refuelling while including advances in communications, tactical awareness and self-protection..

Read more about the reach and capacity of the ADF’s new Multi-Role Tanker Transport and how it provides enhanced mobility and force in the knowledge article - The ADFs New MRTT Capability by Group Captain Noel Derwort.

Find further information in the KC-30 Update knowledge article by Squadron Leader Stephen Monypenny