DefenseUS Air Force mulls for more KC-46 instead of stealth tanker
The U.S. Air Force is considering a shift in its tanker strategy, suggesting that expanding orders for the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus may be a more practical path than pursuing an expensive new stealth refueling aircraft.
Although no final decision has been made, the recently released 2026 budget points to a “Tanker Production Extension” program aimed at keeping the KC-46 production line active beyond current orders, according to Air&Space Forces Magazine.
The Air Force sees the Pegasus as a cost-effective solution to meet ongoing refueling demands while avoiding the risks and costs associated with an entirely new platform.
At the same time, the Air Force is investing in upgrades for the KC-46, including better communications, enhanced connectivity, and improved defensive systems.
The service is also continuing work to fix known issues, such as the Remote Vision System and the stiff boom mechanism, both of which have caused operational challenges.
In contrast, the development of the Next-Generation Aerial refueling System (NGAS), the potential stealth tanker, is progressing slowly with only limited funding dedicated to early research and concept refinement.
USAF officials have acknowledged that the high cost of a stealth tanker may not be justifiable given other budget priorities, and that strengthening the survivability and communication capabilities of existing aircraft could be a smarter interim solution.
The budget also highlights progress on an unconventional idea: launching drones mid-air from the KC-135 Stratotanker as a defense mechanism.
This concept is moving closer to prototype stage and could add defensive flexibility without the need for entirely new aircraft development.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
