Italy Considers Competition for New Tanker Aircraft After Suspending KC-46 Purchase: Report

Italy is reportedly considering launching a competition to select a new tanker aircraft following the suspension of its plans to acquire six Boeing KC-46 tankers.

This was reported by Defense News citing its sources.

The competition, which may occur this year, is expected to feature the Airbus A330 MRTT as a candidate to replace the Italian Air Force's four Boeing 767-based tankers that have been in service since 2011.

The potential selection of the Airbus aircraft would mark a shift for Italy, which has relied on Boeing tankers for over a decade. In 2021, Italy announced plans to upgrade its B-767 tankers and acquire two additional ones. However, the following year, the country decided to purchase six new KC-46 aircraft, aligning with the United States, which also procured the more modern tankers.

Plans changed last month when defense planners issued a document stating the €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) purchase of six KC-46 aircraft had been halted "due to changed and unforeseen needs." No further details were provided, though the decision might be linked to concerns over the cost and delivery timeline of the new aircraft, according to Defense News.

The KC-46 has encountered issues, including problems with its Remote Vision System, which is intended to give boom operators a view of refueling operations. The delivery of a replacement system, RVS 2.0, is expected to be delayed until 2026, according to the U.S. Air Force.

Italy's suspension of its purchase has prompted potential plans for a competition "to be held within months," according to an anonymous source. While officials have not ruled out a KC-46 purchase, they are exploring other market options.

The Airbus A330 MRTT, already acquired by France, Spain, and the U.K., is the most likely alternative. Meanwhile, the Italian Air Force plans to invest €7.5 billion in 24 new Eurofighter jets to replace 26 older versions that will be retired in 2028.