Profile: KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport

The KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) serves as an air-to-air refuelling aircraft, which doubles up to provide the RAAF with strategic airlift capabilities. It was first flown by the RAAF in September 2011. The RAAF currently has six KC-30A aircraft operated by No. 33 Squadron, based at Amberley. Since 2014, one additional KC-30A has been deployed in the Middle East under Operation Okra – the ADF’s contribution to the international coalition against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

The KC-30A MRTT is a substantially modified military derivative of the Airbus A330-200 airliner, compatible for air-to-air refuelling of the RAAF’s F/A-18F Super Hornets, E/A-18G Growlers, E-7A Wedgetails, C-17A Globemaster III, and even other KC-30As.