Finding a multinational solution for the aerial refuelling requirement, NATO countries recently received the first aircraft.
The Dutch Military Aviation Authority, cleared the way for the training activities for MMF1 airworthy approval which was delivered to the customer within the scope of MMU Programme under the management of OCCAR (Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation / Joint Armaments Cooperation Organization) and support of NSPA (NATO Support and Procurement Agency / NATO Support and Procurement Agency). The green light for the training phase with first aircraft MMF1, was given within the MMU (Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit) process established by Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway, and the platforms will be used jointly. Thus, an important milestone has been left behind on the becoming operational of the fleet by launching the training process of the flight personnel and ground support crew.
The tanker pool created with MMF (Multinational Multi-Role Tanker and Transport Fleet) will provide aerial refuelling support to the participating countries for predetermined flight times. Aircraft, which have both a boom and hose-drogue system for aerial refuelling usage, can also perform tasks such as strategic airlift and aerial MEDEVAC.
It is stated that MMF2 is ready for delivery, while MMF3 and MMF4 conversation works still ongoing. The platforms, which have converting for military purposes at Airbus's facilities in Getafe, are scheduled to be delivered next October and early 2021.
