WARSAW, Poland — Poland is enhancing its military capabilities by planning a strategic acquisition of the Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft, collaborating with Spain to facilitate this purchase for its Air Force. Initially contemplating the procurement of two planes via EU loans, Poland’s partnership with Madrid allows for an expansion to four aircraft.
The Polish Ministry of National Defence confirmed that both nations have inked a memorandum to jointly conduct the acquisition, with Spain sharing its delivery slots with Poland. This collaboration ensures the delivery of the MRTTs by 2030, a deal formalized during Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz’s visit to Spain, where he met with Defense Minister Margarita Robles.
A ministry spokesperson stated, “that, within two weeks’ time, Poland will arrange with Madrid the details of the contract to buy tanker and transport aircraft. Poland will order four A330 MRTT tankers,” emphasizing the near conclusion of discussions.
Financing for the Airbus purchase will come through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, with Poland set to receive approximately €43.7 billion ($49.9 billion) in low-interest EU loans. This funding aims to enhance defense capabilities amidst ongoing regional threats, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The loans are slated for disbursement by the end of 2030.
While the purchase’s exact cost remains undisclosed, a comparison can be drawn with Italy’s recent procurement of six A330 MRTTs for about €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion).
Fighter Jet Considerations
Poland has opted for the Airbus aircraft over Boeing’s KC-46, but the selection process for another significant aircraft order continues. The government is evaluating options for acquiring up to 32 new fighter jets, considering Lockheed Martin’s F-35, Boeing’s F-15EX, and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
With Poland receiving its first F-35s, Lockheed Martin is actively promoting further orders. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Tomasz Jatczak underscored the importance of air superiority for deterrence against Russia during a panel with Boeing’s Kevin Fesler at the Warsaw Defense Fair.
The Eurofighter consortium is leveraging support from the Polish Business Centre Club, which urged national leaders to consider the Typhoon. Their argument highlights the benefits of a mixed fleet, combining F-35 stealth with Eurofighter’s capabilities for operational flexibility.
Engagement in the Eurofighter program could benefit Poland’s defense industry, with promises of significant local investment. The consortium claims that Poland’s involvement would retain about 40% of the project’s value domestically.
Simultaneously, Poland is contemplating participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaborative venture involving Italy, Japan, and the UK to develop a sixth-generation fighter.
Retired Maj. Gen. Włodzimierz Usarek emphasized the strategic benefits of joining the Eurofighter supply chain, stating, “Buying the Eurofighter will put Poland in a preferential position to develop the sixth-generation fighter and jointly produce it with other countries instead of continuing to be other countries’ client.”
