Italy Chooses Airbus A330 Tankers, Shifts Away from U.S. Equipment
Italy has decided to purchase six Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft in a deal valued at €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion), marking a significant shift from its previous reliance on Boeing tankers. This decision, announced through the European Union’s TED public procurement platform, includes ten years of logistic support and highlights a move towards European equipment. The Italian Air Force, which has been operating Boeing 767-based tankers since 2011, initially planned to upgrade and expand its fleet with Boeing's KC-46 aircraft. However, due to cost concerns and delivery timelines, Italy reconsidered and opted for Airbus, aligning with a broader European trend towards greater military equipment commonality. 
