UAE Signs Formal Contract For MRTT(s)

The United Arab Emirates announced Monday the purchase from EADS, through its Military Transport Aircraft Division, of the A330 MRTT (Multi Role Transport Tanker) as the new air-to-air refueling aircraft for the UAE Air Force & Air Defense. The A330 MRTT will be fitted with under wings pods and the EADS CASA Boom system.

EADS states following the contracts signed with the Royal Australian Air Force, Saudi Arabia and after being selected as preferred bidder for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) in the UK, the UAE decision "consolidates further the A330 MRTT position as the most advanced and capable air-to-air refueling aircraft available in the market. The Military Transport Aircraft Division of EADS, responsible for the design and production of the MRTTs, is positioned as the key worldwide supplier in the field of tanking and transport aircraft."

As ANN reported, the UAE agreed to purchase three MRTTs last year, with deliveries beginning in 2011. However, that deal hadn't been formally signed until this week -- and an EADS spokesman declined to tell Thomson Financial the exact number of MRTTs signed for.

Despite the ambiguity, the European consortium notes the latest selection of its A330 MRTT gives the aircraft momentum leading into the US Air Force's much-anticipated decision on the KC-X tanker bid.

"Nothing speaks louder than success. The fourth selection in a row of the A330 MRTT in international competitive processes underscores its exceptional value and capability for the full range of tanker and transport requirements," said Carlos Suarez, Head of EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division and Chairman of EADS CASA.

FMI: www.eads.com