NATO's Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) E-3A fleet, and its Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport A330 (MRTT) aircraft have demonstrated their ability to perform air-to-air refuelling. In July 2025, after successful test flights, the necessary airworthiness certification for mid-air fuel transfer procedures was obtained. As NATO strengthens its capabilities, this increases the Alliance's strategic flexibility, interoperability and operational reach.
Validating the technical compatibility and operational readiness of Boeing's and Airbus' aircraft systems enables future rapid deployments and sustained aerial surveillance missions. The linkage of AWACS and MRTT represents another example of cooperation among Allies, and European Allies stepping up, demonstrating transatlantic unity and resolve. NATO's AWACS fleet is managed by the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEW&CF), based in Geilenkirchen, Germany. The MRTT Fleet, primarily based out of Eindhoven, the Netherlands, is owned by NATO and managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Flight Test Centre, the Multinational MRTT Unit (MMU), European Air Transport Command (EATC) and the Air Refueling Certification Agency (ARCA) provided support during the certification process.
Following the historic decisions made by leaders at the NATO Summit in The Hague, Allies will continue to future-proof NATO's ability to guard our skies and maintain vigilance wherever it is needed, meet the new ambitious capability targets and keep our one billion people safe.
