Airbus and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) have secured full certification for Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R) on the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), marking a global first for operational automated aerial refuelling.
Granted by Spain’s INTA after an intensive campaign with the RSAF and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), the certification confirms the A3R system’s maturity across day and night missions, varied flight envelopes, and multiple receiver types including F-16s and F-15s. Trials were conducted in both Spain and Singapore.
With this milestone, the RSAF’s 112 Squadron becomes the world’s first operator to field fully certified automated refuelling, transitioning the technology from concept to frontline capability.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, credited the four-year partnership: “Singapore has consistently led the co-development of next-generation aerospace technologies. This is what long-term collaboration delivers.”
Ng Chad-son, CEO of DSTA, highlighted enhanced safety and reduced crew workload: “Our A330 MRTTs can now refuel automatically both day and night. This showcases effective technology integration.”
Major-General Kelvin Fan, RSAF Chief of Air Force, said the capability enhances operational effectiveness: “It reflects our commitment to working with industry partners to innovate and remain at the leading edge.”
Developed under Airbus’ SMART MRTT vision, A3R uses advanced automation and computer vision to detect, track, and engage receivers without manual input. Beyond reducing operator fatigue, the system improves precision and mission flexibility—setting a new benchmark for aerial refuelling worldwide.
