The U.S. Air Force is again seeking input from the defense industry as it moves forward with plans to commission a next-generation aerial refueling tanker.
A request for information published August 15 gives industry partners until October 24 to produce fresh ideas for the project, known as the Next-Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS). The text of the request is considered “controlled” and cannot be accessed by the public.
The Defense Department formally launched the NGAS project in 2023 with a similar request for information. Another followed in 2024, focused on propulsion systems.
The Pentagon hopes to have the resultant aircraft in service by 2040.
The Air Force initially hoped to give the NGAS stealth capabilities, but that requirement has gradually been reduced as other modernization projects take priority.
The Air Force’s primary tankers are the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus, both manufactured by Boeing. The KC-135 is the older model and is set to be at least partially retired by the KC-46.
As part of its fiscal year 2026 budget request, the Defense Department indicated it will likely buy up to 75 more KC-46s rather than hold a competition for a new phase of the tanker’s design.
The KC-46 has faced numerous challenges since its introduction, including problems with its remote vision system, boom, fuel system, and airframe. Deliveries were paused in March after Boeing discovered cracks on two tankers set to be transferred to the Air Force, and the military branch set about inspecting its existing fleet. Deliveries restarted in May.
Boeing is developing its MQ-25 Stingray, an unmanned refueler, for the U.S. Navy. The drone has successfully refueled an F/A-18, E-2D, and F-35C.
