Posted on Jul 3, 2025
Air Force again changes course on tankers, plans new ‘production extension’ program - Breaking...
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Just two years after unveiling a new tanker strategy that would involve the development of a futuristic stealthy tanker, the Air Force is yet again shifting course for its air refueling fleet, and is now eyeing a novel program to extend tanker production — a move that could favor Boeing’s KC-46 Pegasus.
The refreshed tanker plan, unveiled in fiscal 2026 budget documents recently released by the Defense Department, calls for a “Tanker Production Extension” program, set to launch next year. The Air Force is requesting $23.8 million for the effort, which should finish developing a request for proposals by the third quarter of FY26, according to the documents.
It’s not clear what the Air Force will ultimately decide for the new production extension program. One path would involve a competition that could draw rival bids for the KC-46 from industry players like Airbus and Embraer who have previously expressed interest in providing the service’s tanker needs. Whatever is ultimately picked for this new extension program would start production after Boeing completes deliveries under its current KC-46 contract, which is expected to conclude around the end of this decade.
The refreshed tanker plan, unveiled in fiscal 2026 budget documents recently released by the Defense Department, calls for a “Tanker Production Extension” program, set to launch next year. The Air Force is requesting $23.8 million for the effort, which should finish developing a request for proposals by the third quarter of FY26, according to the documents.
It’s not clear what the Air Force will ultimately decide for the new production extension program. One path would involve a competition that could draw rival bids for the KC-46 from industry players like Airbus and Embraer who have previously expressed interest in providing the service’s tanker needs. Whatever is ultimately picked for this new extension program would start production after Boeing completes deliveries under its current KC-46 contract, which is expected to conclude around the end of this decade.
Air Force again changes course on tankers, plans new ‘production extension’ program - Breaking...
Posted from breakingdefense.com
Aviation
Flying
Competition
Posted 6 mo ago
Responses: 3
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As seen with the recent Iran mission - refueling is a vital part of modern operations
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MSG Thomas Currie
Refueling is vital and tankers are very vulnerable if an enemy is willing to strike them preemptively.
Refueling worked for the Iran mission but our present tankers could be a suicide job in a peer or near-peer conflict that lasted more than one strike. That was the intent of the Air Force looking for the next tanker to be stealthy so they would be less vulnerable.
Refueling worked for the Iran mission but our present tankers could be a suicide job in a peer or near-peer conflict that lasted more than one strike. That was the intent of the Air Force looking for the next tanker to be stealthy so they would be less vulnerable.
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For us taxpayers, yay! I get the possible need for stealthy tankers, but this seems to be the right move right now.
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A stealth tanker is exactly the wasteful gimmickry the Air Force has long been famous for. If you need to refuel inside the threat envelope, then the aircraft that need a top-off were poorly designed.
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