On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the European company Airbus Defence and Space (part of the Airbus SE Group) announced that, together with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (Angkatan Udara Republik Singapura, AURS), it has obtained full certification for the A3R (Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling) system for Airbus A330-200 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) aircraft.
Photo: Airbus Defence and Space
Proces certyfikacji odbywał się pod nadzorem hiszpańskiego Krajowego Instytutu Technologii Lotniczych im Estebana Terradasa (INTA, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial) w ramach programu SMART MRTT, realizowanego także z Australią (KC-30A) i Portugalią. Loty certyfikacyjne odbywały się z samolotami wielozadaniowymi F-16C/D i F-15SG, ale także innym A330-200 MRTT. Wsparcie zapewniała singapurska agencja DSTA (Defence Science and Technology Agency) przy Ministerstwie Obrony Tego państwa.
Jak podkreśla Airbus, to kluczowy kamień milowy w ciągłym rozwoju samolotu A330 MRTT i pierwsze tego typu osiągnięcie na świecie lotnictwa. Kampania potwierdza dojrzałość, bezpieczeństwo i niezawodność systemu A3R w szerokim zakresie profili misji. Dzięki tej certyfikacji Singapur staje się pierwszym użytkownikiem na świecie, która wprowadził system A3R do swojej floty samolotów A330 MRTT, eksploatowanych przez 112. Eskadrę, ustanawiając nowy standard w zakresie automatycznego tankowania.
Mike Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer at Airbus Defence and Space said:
“The certification of A3R with Singapore is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of what long-term partnership can deliver. Singapore has consistently led the adoption and co-development of next-generation aerospace technologies, and Airbus is proud to support the RSAF and DSTA in fielding a capability that will shape the future of air-to-air refuelling.”
Ng Chad-son, Chief Executive, Defence Science and Technology Agency, said:
“Achieving full certification of A3R is a significant achievement as Singapore’s A330 MRTTs can now perform automatic refuelling both in daytime and at night. DSTA worked very closely with the RSAF and Airbus to advance innovation, enhance safety and reduce crew workload. This attainment showcases effective technology integration and sets a new benchmark on automatic aerial refuelling globally.”
Major-General Kelvin Fan, Chief of Air Force at Republic of Singapore Air Force said:
“The RSAF is pleased to have partnered with DSTA and Airbus in pioneering the world’s first A3R capability. This development will enhance the RSAF’s aerial refuelling operations, contributing to greater operational effectiveness. It also reflects the RSAF’s commitment to working with industry partners to innovate and remain at the leading edge of technology.”
Joint efforts by Airbus, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (AURS), and DSTA began in 2020 to validate and accelerate the operational introduction of the A3R system. The certification program included day and night missions, extended flight envelopes, and multiple receiver aircraft types, ensuring full mission readiness. Flight trials were conducted in both Spain and Singapore, with the AURS providing A330 MRTT aircraft as well as F-16C/D Block 52+ and F-15SG Strike Eagle fighters as receiver aircraft, supporting testing and validation activities.
Developed by Airbus as part of the SMART MRTT vision, the A3R system uses advanced automation and computer vision technologies to automatically detect, track, and connect with receiver aircraft, without the need for manual data input.
The A3R system does not require the installation of additional equipment on the receiving aircraft and is designed to reduce the workload of the Air Refuelling Operator (ARO), enhance safety, and optimize air-to-air refueling rates under operational conditions.
The A330 MRTT is certified to conduct air-to-air refueling using both rigid and flexible fuel transfer systems for aircraft including the F-15, F-16, F-35, A330 MRTT, E-3 Sentry, Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon.
Announced at #SingaporeAirshow2026: Airbus and Singapore have achieved full certification of the Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R) capability on the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
This represents a key milestone in the continued development of the #A330MRTT… pic.twitter.com/LMZ4YykZpE
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) February 4, 2026
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