‘Tanker talks’ take place against backdrop of A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport

Leaders from Airbus and Lockheed Martin met to discuss their partnership to provide the US Air Force with the best capability in aerial refuelling.

With an agreement already in place to explore US military tanking opportunities, Airbus and Lockheed Martin senior executive leaders met against the backdrop of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (A330 MRTT).

The meeting was attended by Alberto Gutierrez, Head of Military Aircraft, Airbus Defence and Space; Michele Evans, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. Michele Evans, executive vice president for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics said: “Since signing our Memorandum of Agreement with Airbus last December, our teams have been working to expand our business relationship with a focus on providing the US Air Force with the very best capability in aerial refuelling.”

Addressing the US Airforce’s current and future tanker needs

She added: “We believe with Airbus’ and Lockheed Martin’s expertise in air refuelling and innovative, combat-tested technologies such as low observability and networking operations, we make a powerful team to address the US Air Force’s tanker needs today and into the future.”

Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said: “The relationship with Lockheed Martin through this exciting project is growing day by day, and we’re looking forward to presenting our offer to the US military in the near future. Our A330MRTT has been refuelling U.S. military aircraft on combat missions since 2014, and together with Lockheed Martin’s proven record serving the US Air Force we truly believe we can offer unbeatable capabilities.”

Alberto Gutiérrez, Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus added: “We have said it before and I can only repeat it – the A330MRTT is the most successful and most capable tanker platform in the world. It has proven its versatility and capability time and again. It is a tremendous asset for any military, including the US.”