Tankers

Latest in Tankers

The Utah Air National Guard demonstrated new capabilities that expand the KC-135 aerial refueling tanker's ability to also act as an airborne communications and data-sharing node during major exercises in the Pacific earlier this year.

KC-135 Refueling Pods Have Been Converted Into Flying Communication Nodes

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 20, 2025

A business jet converted into a tanker is among the options the U.S. Air Force has been considering as part of plans for a future aerial refueling 'system of systems.'

Business Jet Aerial Refueling Tankers Eyed By USAF

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 26, 2025

Despite Setbacks, Embraer Still Pitching KC-390 As Air Force ACE Tanker Of Choice

By Hope Hodge Seck

Posted on Sep 23, 2025

Three nozzle binding incidents have cost the Air Force nearly $27 million.

KC-46’s Refueling Boom “Nozzle Binding” Issues Are Costing The USAF Tens Of Millions In Damage

By Howard Altman

Posted on Aug 25, 2025

The Israeli Ministry of Defense has said it will seek to buy two more Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers from the United States, as it invests in its fleet of inflight refueling tankers, heavily utilized in the recent campaign against Iran, as well as for other long-range combat missions. While Israel has already committed to buying four KC-46s, it currently relies on a dwindling fleet of veteran Boeing 707 tankers. The 12-day war against Iran earlier this year, in particular, led to questions about Israeli Air Force (IAF) aerial refueling capacity and the U.S. government was forced to deny that it had provided additional tanker support for the operation.

Israel Wants More KC-46 Pegasus Tankers To Boost Overworked Aerial Refueling Fleet

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 24, 2025

KC-707 refueling F15 Baz.

USAF Denies It Refueled Israel’s Fighters During War With Iran

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 16, 2025

Air Force KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling jets are experiencing problems with their auxiliary power units.

KC-46 Crews Ordered To Drastically Curtail Use Of Jet’s Onboard Auxiliary Power Unit (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jul 15, 2025

Boom On KC-46 Tanker Just Broke Off During F-22 Refueling Mission (Updated)

Boom On KC-46 Tanker Just Broke Off During F-22 Refueling Mission (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jul 8, 2025

The U.S. Air Force has developed a means to launch small drones from its KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, and is now looking at adding that capability to the fleet.

KC-135 Tankers Set To Get Drone Launchers

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jul 2, 2025

Plans To Finally Give F-35 External Fuel Tanks Emerge In New Air Force Budget (Updated)

Plans To Finally Give F-35 External Fuel Tanks Emerge In New Air Force Budget (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 30, 2025

28 tankers were sent out over the Atlantic heading east tonight.

Armada Of USAF Tankers Just Deployed East Over Atlantic Spurring Speculation (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jun 16, 2025

The U.S. Navy is sending the supercarrier USS Nimitz and the rest of its strike group to the Middle East amid a new buildup of forces in the region ostensibly for defensive purposes, U.S. officials have told TWZ.

Major U.S. Middle East-Focused Buildup Confirmed (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 16, 2025

The head of the U.S. Navy Reserve says that acquiring new C-130J Hercules aircraft is a top priority, particularly because of the critical organic aerial refueling capacity they could provide in a future Pacific fight.

Buying KC-130Js Key To Navy’s Ability To Fight In Pacific: Reserve Boss

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 21, 2025

Marine MV-22 Ospreys Won’t Get Tanker Capability To Refuel F-35Bs Anytime Soon

Marine MV-22 Ospreys Won’t Get Tanker Capability To Refuel F-35Bs Anytime Soon

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on May 1, 2025

KC-10 Extender Tankers Are Up For Auction

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 11, 2025

The U.S. Air Force's selection of Boeing's F-47 as the winner of its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) combat jet competition raises new questions about plans for new stealthy aerial refueling tankers.

F-47 Fighter Reveal Draws New Attention To USAF Stealth Tanker Plans

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 24, 2025