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France orders more Airbus A330 MRTT tankers

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The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has will receive a further three A330 multi role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space.

The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has will receive a further three A330 multi role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space.

It is the third and final tranche of the multi-year, 12-aircraft contract signed by the French Ministry of Defence in 2014.

The first of the fleet, known as Phénix in French service, was delivered in October, with the remainder to be delivered by the end of 2023.

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The A330 MRTT will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines and equipped with the Airbus Refuelling Boom System and underwing hose-and-drogue refuelling pods.

The aircraft is able to be configured in a number of layouts, carrying more than 270 passengers as well as medevac arrangements.

More than 12 nations have ordered over 60 A330 MRTT aircraft, including Australia, which has six KC-30A (as the aircraft is known as in Australian service) in action and one additional aircraft on order.

Australia's KC-30As are operated by No.33 Squadron from RAAF Amberley in south-east Queensland, and have marked a number of major milestones for the aircraft type.

A KC-30 recently returning from operational deployment in the Middle East as part of Operation OKRA, Australia's contribution to dismantling Islamic State.

Additionally, Australia's KC-30As delivered 100 million pounds of fuel in support of continuing coalition strikes in the Middle East.