Aircraft
France Confirms a Dozen Airbus Tankers
The aircraft will replace 14 (K)C-135FR tankers in the French air force from 2018, at a rate of one or two per year.
France has become the eighth customer for the Airbus A330MRTT tanker. The 12 aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trents. (Photo: Airbus D&S)
France has become the eighth customer for the Airbus A330MRTT tanker. The 12 aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trents. (Photo: Airbus D&S)

Airbus Defence & Space has completed negotiations with the French defense procurement agency for the sale of 12 A330MRTT tankers. No value was given for the deal, which was expected but has been long delayed for budget reasons. The aircraft will replace 14 (K)C-135FR tankers in the French air force beginning in 2018, but at a slow rate of only one or two deliveries per year.