AirTanker Signs 27-Year £13 Billion Air-to-Air Refuelling Contract with UK Ministry of Defence

Valued at approximately £13 billion (€16.7 billion), the agreement represents the world’s largest-ever Defence Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

A New Generation of RAF Tanker Aircraft

Under the contract, AirTanker will deliver a fleet of 14 Airbus A330-200-based tanker aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent engines.

The new fleet will replace the RAF’s existing VC-10 and Tristar aircraft, entering service from 2011 onward.

The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) platform is widely recognized as one of the most capable tanker aircraft available globally. It has secured major procurement contracts with:

• Royal Australian Air Force
• United Arab Emirates Air Force
• Royal Saudi Air Force
• United States Air Force

The UK program builds on the A330-200 MRTT development for Australia, which was already in advanced flight-testing stages prior to delivery.

GTD’s Role in the A330 MRTT Programme

Within this complex defense programme, EADS-CASA entrusted GTD with the development of several critical subsystems.

GTD’s contributions include:

Engineering Simulator

Development of a real-time Engineering Simulator software platform capable of simulating:

• Fuel systems
• Hydraulic systems
• Electrical systems

This simulator supports validation, training and integration processes.

Visual Systems and Human-Machine Interfaces

GTD also developed:

• The visual system interfacing with pilots and MRTT mission controllers
• Graphical Man-Machine Interfaces (MMI) for:
  • Navigation Display
  • Primary Flight Display (PFD)
  • Refuelling control and command console

These systems are essential for operational safety, mission coordination and real-time refuelling management.

Collaboration with Thales Aerospace

In addition to its work with EADS-CASA, GTD acts as a service provider to Thales Aerospace, the primary developer of the avionics systems for both the A330 and A330 MRTT.

This collaboration further strengthens GTD’s position in advanced avionics integration and mission-critical aerospace systems.

Strategic Impact

The AirTanker contract significantly enhances the RAF’s operational capabilities while setting a new benchmark for long-term defense partnerships.

For GTD, participation in the A330 MRTT programme reinforces its expertise in:

• Real-time simulation systems
• Avionics software development
• Human-machine interface design
• Mission-critical defense technologies

Through its contributions to the UK’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme, GTD continues to support next-generation air mobility and refuelling capabilities for allied armed forces.

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