As part of its plans to replace its aging KC-135R Stratotankers as the main aerial refueling aircraft, the Turkish Air Force is reportedly evaluating Boeing’s KC-46A and Airbus’s A330 MRTT for future procurement, marking a key aspect of the service’s broader modernization strategy. The development was confirmed to specialized media by Turkish officials speaking on condition of anonymity, who stated that Ankara has already initiated negotiations with both companies, although no final decision has been made thus far.
According to the same sources, both contenders present specific advantages and disadvantages. For instance, Turkish Air Force personnel are reportedly more familiar with the maintenance programs associated with the KC-46A, while the A330 MRTT offers superior capabilities for missions requiring medical evacuations. Politically, both aircraft also represent opportunities for Turkey to strengthen ties either with the United States or with Europe, making this a highly balanced competition.
Beyond these considerations, the sources did not provide further details regarding the number of aircraft to be acquired or the delivery timeline for the program. Currently, Turkey operates a total of seven KC-135R Stratotankers, primarily deployed from Incirlik Air Base, giving an approximate sense of the potential scale of the acquisition.
It is also worth noting that this is not the only significant aircraft-related announcement involving the Turkish Air Force in recent days. The service has reportedly finalized an agreement to acquire C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to bolster its capabilities. As reported on May 29, the agreement was made with the United Kingdom, which had fifteen units in storage at Cambridge Airport with support from Marshall Aerospace following their retirement from service. Turkey’s Ministry of Defense is said to have acquired twelve of them.
This deal also indirectly includes the possibility of involving Turkey’s domestic defense industry in upgrading the aircraft with local systems, under a program known as ERCIYES. Reflecting Turkey’s ambition to expand indigenous capabilities, it remains uncertain whether any future deal involving the KC-46A or A330 MRTT would include similar provisions—but it is likely to be a key point in negotiations.
*Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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