The tanker deal is not just a competition won; it is a decision that shifts the balance. Behind the purchase of the new Airbus A330 MRTT lies a shift in the centre of gravity of Italy’s air defence, which is now looking increasingly to Europe within the NATO framework, leaving behind the US option linked to the Boeing KC-46.
In this context, Italy has formalised the acquisition of six Airbus A330 MRTT tanker aircraft, in a deal with a total value of around 1.39 billion euro, including long-term logistic support. The news emerges from publication on the European TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) portal on 19 May 2026 and confirms that the contract was signed on 16 April by ARMAERO.
