Singapore has reached a global aviation milestone after securing full certification for the Automatic Air-to-Air Refueling (A3R) capability on its Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet. The certification, granted by Spain’s National Institute for Aerospace Technology, confirms that the automated refueling system meets stringent safety, reliability, and operational standards for both daytime and nighttime missions.
The approval follows an extensive flight test and qualification program conducted jointly by Airbus, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). Test campaigns were carried out in both Spain and Singapore, covering a wide range of operational scenarios, receiver aircraft types, and expanded flight envelopes to validate real-world mission readiness.
Introduced in 2020 under Airbus’s SMART MRTT initiative, the A3R system leverages automation and advanced computer vision to significantly reduce operator workload. The technology automatically detects, tracks, and refuels receiver aircraft, improving safety and precision during complex aerial refueling operations. The program included multiple day and night missions, demonstrating consistent performance across diverse conditions.
Singapore has been at the forefront of automated aerial refueling development, with the A330 MRTT becoming the first international tanker certified for daylight automatic refueling in 2022. A subsequent 2023 test campaign successfully demonstrated nighttime operations, completing hundreds of automated refueling contacts with RSAF F-15SG and F-16 fighter aircraft. Earlier trials also confirmed interoperability with Portuguese F-16s, underscoring the system’s compatibility with allied air forces.
