Airbus and Singapore Achieve World-First Full A3R Certification for A330 MRTT

On February 4, 2026, Airbus Defence and Space, in collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), announced a significant milestone in military aviation history. According to an official company statement, the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) has received full certification for its Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R) system. This certification, granted by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), marks the first time a boom refuelling system has been cleared for fully automated operations during both day and night conditions.

The announcement confirms that the RSAF is now the first air force globally to possess an operationally certified automatic boom capability that covers a complete range of mission profiles. The certification encompasses operations with the RSAF’s core fleet, including the F-15SG, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the A330 MRTT itself acting as a receiver.

This development transitions the A3R technology from a testing phase into a mature, combat-ready capability. The system will be deployed with the RSAF’s 112 Squadron at Changi Air Base, enhancing the operational efficiency of their tanker fleet.

Operational Capabilities and Technical Details

The newly certified A3R system represents a shift from manual, high-workload refuelling tasks to a supervised automated process. According to technical details provided by Airbus, the system utilizes a suite of cameras and sensors to detect the receiver aircraft. Once the Air Refuelling Operator (ARO) activates the system, the automated flight control laws guide the boom into the receiver’s receptacle without manual input.

A critical advantage of this specific system, as noted in the press release, is that it requires no additional equipment or modifications on the receiver aircraft. The technology is entirely housed within the tanker, allowing it to service existing fleets of F-15s and F-16s immediately.

“The certification of A3R with Singapore is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of what long-term partnerships can deliver… fielding a capability that will shape the future of air-to-air refuelling.”

, Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space

The primary benefits cited by the manufacturer include increased safety by reducing human error during the critical contact phase, optimized fuel transfer rates, and significant workload reduction for operators. This is particularly vital during long-duration night missions, where operator fatigue can be a limiting factor.

Timeline of Development and Collaboration

The road to full certification has been a multi-year joint effort between Airbus, the RSAF, and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). The collaboration, formally announced as the “SMART MRTT” program at the Singapore Airshow in February 2020, has progressed through several distinct phases:

• 2018: The first automated contact with a boom system was demonstrated in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
• July 2022: The A330 MRTT became the first tanker certified for A3R operations in daylight conditions only.
• August 2023: Extensive flight trials were conducted in Singapore, involving over 500 automated contacts to validate night operations and certify the F-15SG.
• February 2026: Full certification was achieved for unrestricted day and night use.

“Achieving full certification of A3R is a significant achievement as Singapore’s A330 MRTTs can now perform automatic refuelling both in daytime and at night.”

, Ng Chad-son, Chief Executive, DSTA

AirPro News Analysis

This certification provides Airbus with a distinct competitive advantage in the strategic tanker market. While competitors like Boeing have demonstrated autonomous capabilities with the KC-46 Pegasus in flight tests, the A330 MRTT is now the only platform with a fully certified, operationally deployed automatic boom system for both day and night missions.

For the RSAF, this capability offers a tangible operational edge. Night refuelling is a standard requirement for modern combat operations to evade detection. By automating this process, the RSAF ensures higher consistency and safety margins in low-visibility environments, reinforcing Singapore’s strategy of co-developing advanced defense technologies rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf procurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A3R?

A3R stands for Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling. It is a system that automates the contact between the tanker’s boom and the receiver aircraft, reducing the need for manual control by the operator.

Does the fighter jet need special equipment?

No. According to Airbus, the A3R system requires no modifications to the receiver aircraft (e.g., the F-16 or F-15SG).

Who certified this technology?

The certification was granted by INTA (Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology), the certifying authority for Airbus military-aircraft derivatives.

Sources

• Airbus