On 2 July 2019, the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) Received the 2nd A330-MRTT Phénix multi-role tanker aircraft(MultiRole Transport Tanker) on the Istres air base 125. With 3 months ahead of schedule, this aircraft was delivered to the Air Force with a first suit EVASAN (evacuation) to achieve full operational capacity in autumn. This will allow the aeromédicalisation of a dozen of very serious injuries or medical transport of 40 minor injuries requiring less medical assistance.

 KC-30A refueling demonstration with F/A-18A Hornets (Picture source: Chris Phutully)

The MRTT Phénix relies on the basis of an Airbus A330 airliner militarized to meet the missions entrusted to it: the air component of deterrence, contribution to the permanent posture of safety, projection of forces and power as well as medical transport in case of medical evacuation emergency.

Thanks to its versatility, the MRTT Phénix replaces two separate fleets on this whole range of missions: the current fleet of refueling (C135-FR and KC135R,) and that of transport strategic personnel and freight (A310 and A340).

The Military Programming Act 2019-2025 provides for the acceleration of the modernization of the equipment of the forces and in particular, the planes tankers. It has the effect of advancing by 2023, two years earlier than planned, the delivery of twelve aircraft and create the
conditions to carry the fleet to fifteen aircraft in the years that follow.

Florence Parly, Minister of Armies, welcomes this delivery anticipated: « The Phénix will replace planes 60 years old for some; it represents a real revolution for the Air Force. Its versatility makes it a wonder technology is an undeniable industrial success and a example of what a great European company - Airbus – knows to build. »