Contributor - UK

David Donald

Airbus Defence and Space has confirmed an anticipated order from the Republic of Singapore Air Force for six A330 MRTT tanker/transports. The selection of the Airbus rather than the Boeing KC-46A was first revealed on March 6 via the Singaporean ministry of defense’s Twitter account. At the same time, the country's Ministry of Defense also confirmed that it is to order two more Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk maritime helicopters for the naval air arm’s 123 Squadron, raising the total number to eight.


India has also selected the A330 MRTT, but contract finalization has been held up. While Airbus D&amp;S has been waiting on an Indian signature, the team has forged ahead with finalizing the contract with Singapore to make it the fifth customer for the Airbus tanker. “We are greatly honored by the selection of the A330 MRTT by Singapore,” commented Domingo Ureña Raso, the company’s head of military aircraft. “The decision confirms the A330 MRTT’s status as unquestionably the world’s most advanced tanker/transport aircraft, as well as its pre-eminent suitability for the Asia-Pacific region.”


Singapore currently operates four ex-U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135R tankers with 112 Squadron at Changi-West, the first of which was delivered in September 1999. They have been heavily used, including deployments to the Gulf region in association with Singapore’s coalition peacekeeping commitments. The KC-135s are augmented by the drogue-equipped KC-130 Hercules of 122 Squadron at Paya Lebar, which are used for refueling F-5 fighters.


A formal program to replace the aging KC-135Rs began in 2011, with an RFI following in early 2012. The new A330s will be used not only to refuel Republic of Singapore Air Force aircraft during operations and deployments but can also be used for global transport missions. The aircraft will be particularly useful in supporting Singapore’s training detachments, which are located as far afield as Australia, France and the U.S.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Singapore Orders Airbus Tanker/Transport

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Joseph Carfagna Jr.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Certainty benefits the preowned business aircraft market

AINsight: Election Results and the Fence

Kerry Lynch

Ultra-long-range model has amassed 75 records, many from customer trips

Speed Records Abound for Bombardier's Global 7500

We talk through the process from conception to delivery

Flying Privately: How Aircraft Like the Bombardier Global 8000 Come to Life

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

AltiSky will assemble, sell, and service VoltAero's aircraft

VoltAero Picks U.S. Distributor for Cassio Hybrid-electric Aircraft 

Jennifer Leach English

Company noncommittal on expanding its lineup upwards, citing $1B investment cost

Embraer’s Plans for a Larger Bizjet Remain Up in the Air

Operations ebbed, backlogs were steady, and available aircraft increased

GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

Greenville-based charter operator pre-orders 10 eVTOL air taxis

SAI Flight To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL in South Carolina

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

More In Aircraft