Poland and Spain join forces for the purchase of Airbus A330 MRTT tanker aircraft

Poland and Spain join forces for the purchase of Airbus A330 MRTT tanker aircraft

Poland is rapidly advancing in its plans to strengthen the capabilities of its air force, with an important collaboration with Spain for the purchase of Airbus A330 MRTT multi-role tanker and transport aircraft. This agreement, signed in late summer 2026, marks a significant step in Poland's defense strategy, in response to the growing need to enhance military capabilities in an increasingly tense geopolitical context, especially following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Details of the agreement and funding

Initially, Poland planned to acquire two A330 MRTTs using European Union loans. However, the collaboration with Madrid has allowed Warsaw to increase the order to four units. A spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of National Defense confirmed that the two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding that obliges the parties to proceed with the joint purchase. This agreement allows the Spanish government to share its delivery slots with Poland, enabling Warsaw to receive the aircraft by 2030.

The agreement was formalized during an official visit to Spain by Poland's Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who met with his Spanish counterpart Margarita Robles. During the meeting, it was announced that the contractual details for the purchase of the aircraft would be defined in the following fifteen days.

Funding for this purchase will be guaranteed through the EU's SAFE (Security Action for Europe) mechanism, which provides a loan of approximately 43.7 billion euros for Poland. This program, aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of member states, requires that the funds be disbursed by the end of 2030. The exact value of the purchase has not been made public, but it is estimated to be similar to that of Italy's purchase of six A330 MRTTs, valued at approximately 1.4 billion euros.

Strategic choice: Airbus vs Boeing

Poland's decision to opt for the Airbus A330 MRTTs represents a clear preference for European suppliers over the main competitor, the Boeing KC-46. This choice reflects a broader trend in Poland's defense strategy, which is gradually shifting its focus towards the acquisition of European equipment, in line with policies to strengthen the continental defense industry.

The choice of A330 MRTTs is not isolated. Poland is also considering other options for purchasing combat aircraft, with particular attention to the possibility of diversifying sources of supply. Among the options considered are the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters, the Boeing F-15EX, and the Eurofighter Typhoon, a jet developed by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo.

The debate on fighters: F-35, F-15EX or Eurofighter Typhoon?

Poland has already begun receiving the first of the 32 F-35s ordered, with deliveries starting in June 2024. However, the discussion is still open on what the final composition of the Polish air fleet should be. Lockheed Martin is pushing for a further order of F-35s, emphasizing the advantages of fifth-generation stealth capabilities. On the other hand, the producers of the Boeing F-15EX and the Eurofighter Typhoon are promoting their respective aircraft as complementary solutions to ensure air superiority.

A recent statement by Brigadier General Tomasz Jatczak, Inspector of the Polish Air Force, has fueled the debate. During a panel at the Warsaw Defense Fair, Jatczak declared himself a "supporter of air superiority," stating that this capability could provide Poland with a "key element of deterrence" against the Russian threat. This has strengthened the position of the Eurofighters, which are considered excellent for air superiority missions.

The role of the Polish defense industry

Another crucial factor in the decision is the impact on the Polish defense industry. The Business Centre Club, a Polish employers' organization, published an open letter supporting the purchase of the Eurofighter Typhoon. The letter, addressed to Poland's top political decision-makers, argues that a mixed fleet of F-35s and Eurofighters would offer greater operational flexibility and resilience than a homogeneous fleet.

Moreover, the Eurofighter consortium has stated that Poland's participation in the program would mean that about 40% of the investment value would remain in Poland through the supply chain. This contrasts with the purchase of additional F-35s, which would see Poland primarily as a customer and not as a partner in production.

Future prospects: the GCAP program

Poland is also considering joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a tri-national initiative led by Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom to develop a sixth-generation fighter. Former Major General Włodzimierz Usarek emphasized that the purchase of the Eurofighter would put Poland in a preferential position to develop and produce the sixth-generation fighter together, rather than continuing to be a mere customer of other countries.

Poland's choice for the Airbus A330 MRTTs and attention to the Eurofighter Typhoon reflect a broader strategy of strengthening national defense capabilities, with a focus on the local industry and European cooperation. This decision could have significant implications for the future of Polish defense and the broader European security landscape.