Airbus and Singapore have received full certification for the Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R) capability on the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). The certification was granted by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) after a comprehensive qualification and flight-test campaign. This effort involved close collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).
This achievement marks a significant milestone in developing the A330 MRTT platform. The campaign confirmed that the A3R system is mature, safe, and reliable across various mission profiles. With this certification, the RSAF becomes the first air force worldwide to introduce A3R on its fleet of A330 MRTTs, operated by 112 Squadron.
Mike Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer at Airbus Defence and Space, stated: “The certification of A3R with Singapore is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of what long-term partnership can deliver. Singapore has consistently led the adoption and co-development of next-generation aerospace technologies, and Airbus is proud to support the RSAF and DSTA in fielding a capability that will shape the future of air-to-air refuelling.”
Ng Chad-son, Chief Executive of DSTA, said: “Achieving full certification of A3R is a significant achievement as Singapore’s A330 MRTTs can now perform automatic refuelling both in daytime and at night. DSTA worked very closely with the RSAF and Airbus to advance innovation, enhance safety and reduce crew workload. This attainment showcases effective technology integration and sets a new benchmark on automatic aerial refuelling globally.”
Major-General Kelvin Fan, Chief of Air Force at RSAF, commented: “The RSAF is pleased to have partnered with DSTA and Airbus in pioneering the world’s first A3R capability. This development will enhance the RSAF’s aerial refuelling operations, contributing to greater operational effectiveness. It also reflects the RSAF’s commitment to working with industry partners to innovate and remain at the leading edge of technology.”
The joint programme between Airbus, RSAF, and DSTA began in 2020 to validate and speed up service entry for the A3R system. The certification process included day- and night-time missions using different receiver aircraft types such as F16s and F15s provided by RSAF during trials conducted in Spain and Singapore.
The A3R system was developed by Airbus as part of its SMART MRTT vision. It uses automation and computer vision technologies to automatically detect, track, and engage receiver aircraft without manual input from operators. This reduces workload for operators while improving precision, safety, and operational flexibility for air forces using the A330 MRTT.
