Airbus Military will deliver the first of three new military version of the A330 multirole tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft to the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF) by the end of the year.

The aircraft will strengthen the UAEAF to improve homeland defences and increase its role in regional security and humanitarian relief.

The A330 MRTT is designed as both a transport and an air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

The UAE ordered three MRTT aircraft in early 2008, and will receive the first of the lot by the end of this year.

Other countries that have ordered the new type of transporter include Australia, UK and Saudi Arabia, according to the National.