ARBS (aerial refuelling boom system) will begin early next year. This will follow manufacturer's trials and subsequent INTA certification using an Australian aircraft retained in Madrid for the purpose during 2013. Antonio Caramazana, Programme Director, Airbus Military Derivatives, told reporters that the RAF had received four Voyagers (three tankers and a transport aircraft) by the beginning of May and two further aircraft were due in May and June. The RAF's Tornado GR4 fleet received clearance to refuel from the Voyager on May 16 when the UK Ministry of Defence issued the Voyager's Release to Service for the type. The first air-refuelling sortie with Tornado GR4s was completed on May 20. Typhoon is due to receive its clearance to refuel from Voyager by the end of July. Caramazana also reported that all three Saudi MRTTs have now been delivered (with one retained in Madrid for training) and have been refuelling Royal Saudi Air Force Tornado and Typhoon fighters.
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