Story perspectives

Italy Grants Airbus €1.4B for Six A330 Tankers

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Italy’s Ministry of Defense awarded Airbus a €1.4 billion contract on April 16 for six A330 multi-role tankers, replacing the cancelled Boeing KC-46 program.
The ten-year deal, listed in procurement files as signed in February with a 96-month term, still lacks delivery dates.
When operational, Italy will join 18 allied users, including the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, with a tanker that can fly 8,700 nautical miles and carry a 45-tonne payload.

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Story summary

Italy’s Ministry of Defense awarded Airbus a €1.4 billion contract on April 16 for six A330 multi-role tankers, replacing the cancelled Boeing KC-46 program.
The ten-year deal, listed in procurement files as signed in February with a 96-month term, still lacks delivery dates.
When operational, Italy will join 18 allied users, including the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, with a tanker that can fly 8,700 nautical miles and carry a 45-tonne payload.