Airbus Defense and Space is set to supply a dozen A330 MRTT air-to-air refueling aircraft to the French Air Force.

The contract negotiated with the French military procurement agency, or Direction Générale de l'Armement, covers the development and qualification of the specific French configuration of the aircraft as well as the associated support and training systems, such as spares, ground support equipment, training devices and five years of in-service support from first delivery.

"The French Air Force has enormous experience in the field of air-to-air refueling," said Airbus Defense and Space Executive Vice President Military Aircraft, Domingo Urena Raso. "It knows the factors which are critical to success and its selection of the A330 MRTT is a real honor for us.

"In addition, it is a long-standing operator of our transport aircraft and as always we are particularly proud in gaining the further confidence of an existing customer."

Under the contract, which will be signed soon, the first A330 will be delivered in 2018. A second will follow a year later. The balance will be delivered after that at a rate of two per year.

The aircraft for the French Air Force will feature Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines the company's refueling boom system and underwing hose-and-drogue pods.

Airbus Defense and Space noted the aircraft and can be configured in a variety of alternative layouts, including passenger transport and medevac.