Italy considers Airbus A330 MRTT after halting Boeing KC-46 tanker plans

Italy is embarking on a pivotal decision-making process in its military aviation strategy, considering a shift in its tanker aircraft fleet after suspending plans to procure Boeing's KC-46 tankers.

Italy is exploring a competition to procure a new tanker aircraft following the suspension of plans to purchase six Boeing KC-46 tankers.

The potential competition, expected to be initiated later this year, is likely to feature the Airbus A330 MRTT tanker as a contender. This move would signify a significant departure for Italy, which has relied on Boeing tankers, specifically the Boeing 767-based tanker aircraft in service since 2011, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Initially, Italy had announced plans in 2021 to upgrade its existing B-767 tankers and acquire two additional ones. However, in a shift the following year, Rome opted to align itself with the United States and purchase six new KC-46 aircraft, a decision that has now been reversed.

Last month, Italian defense planners halted the 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) KC-46 purchase citing "changed and unforeseen needs," according to a defense document. Sources indicate that issues related to costs and delayed delivery of the KC-46 may have influenced this decision.

The KC-46 tanker has faced several challenges, including problems with its Remote Vision System (RVS), essential for refueling operations. The U.S. Air Force has announced delays in delivering an upgraded RVS system, now expected in 2026.

Following the suspension of the KC-46 purchase, Italy is now preparing for a potential competition to explore alternative options in the market, with the Airbus A330 MRTT emerging as a frontrunner. This aircraft has already been adopted by countries like France, Spain, and the United Kingdom for their aerial refueling needs.

While officials have not ruled out revisiting the KC-46 option, the Italian Air Force is keen to evaluate all available alternatives. Meanwhile, Italy's defense plans include a separate 7.5 billion euro investment in acquiring 24 new Eurofighter jets to replace older versions slated for retirement by 2028.