In a significant move, Italy is transitioning its air force fleet from Boeing to Airbus with a €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) agreement for six Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft. This purchase concludes 15 years of operating Boeing tanker aircraft and underscores a shift in strategy for Italy’s defense procurement.
Announced via the European Union’s TED public procurement platform, the contract includes a decade of logistic support, with the Airbus A330 being the sole bidder. This deal indicates a pivotal change for the Italian Air Force, which has utilized Boeing 767-based tankers since their induction in 2011.
Initially, in 2021, Italy had declared intentions to enhance its current B-767 tankers and acquire two additional units. However, a year later, plans shifted towards purchasing six new KC-46 aircraft. By 2024, a reevaluation led Italy to reconsider its options, ultimately suspending the KC-46 acquisition.
The suspension of the €1.1 billion KC-46 procurement was attributed to “changed and unforeseen needs,” according to Italy at the time. Defense News reported that cost issues and delivery timelines influenced this decision.
This order aligns with a broader trend among European militaries to enhance interoperability and lessen dependency on U.S. defense products, especially amidst strained trans-Atlantic relations. Notably, France, Spain, and the U.K. have already integrated the A330 MRTT into their fleets, with other European countries utilizing the aircraft through NATO pooling arrangements.
