Italy Launches New Tender to Expand Its Aerial Refueling Fleet

The Italian Ministry of Defense has officially launched a new tender aimed at expanding and modernizing its aerial refueling and strategic transport capabilities. The move comes with the publication of a new procurement plan on April 17, 2025, marking a renewed effort to bolster the Air Force’s so-called “Tanker Heavy Multi Role” fleet.

Italy currently operates four KC-767A aircraft, based on the Boeing 767-200ER platform. These planes play a crucial role in in-flight refueling, long-range transport, and medical evacuation missions. However, the growing operational demands and need for updated capabilities have prompted the Defense Ministry to pursue the acquisition of additional aircraft.

Previous attempts to upgrade this fleet fell through. A 2022 plan was cancelled in mid-2024, and a follow-up tender later that year failed due to a lack of qualified bids. Now, with a new mandate from the Air Force and updated technical requirements, the Ministry is moving forward with a fresh and accelerated European tender.

The plan includes the purchase of six new tanker aircraft along with a long-term support package. The total estimated value of the project is 1.41 billion euros.

This initiative signals Italy’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its strategic reach and interoperability within NATO and EU operations.