The U.S. Air Force will release a draft request for proposals in fiscal 2025 for the KC-135 Recapitalization Program, but the acquisition strategy remains under development as the service waits on more input from the industry.
Known previously as the “bridge tanker,” the Recapitalization Program would provide a seamless transition from the close of the contract for KC-46-expect around 2029 to NGAS.
That said, the Air Force signaled that it will finish ongoing market research before deciding on how it will buy the new tankers.
“The service is committed to delivering the best tanker to the warfighter at the best value,” an Air Force spokesperson said.
Yet the question of whether it will hold a competition remains up in the air. Secretary Frank Kendall indicated skepticism that a competition would be worth much, citing costs and delays he said may ensue.
With Lockheed Martin’s recent withdrawal of its LMXT offering, which is based on the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, Airbus is flying solo in competition. However, it said despite Lockheed’s exit, Airbus is committed to delivering a modern and capable tanker to the U.S. Air Force.
“Airbus remains committed to providing the U.S. Air Force and our warfighters with the most modern and capable tanker on the market,” an Airbus spokesperson confirmed.
To many in the industry, the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is the obvious choice to recapitalize U.S. tankers. KC-46 already has a matured U.S.-based supply chain, making it more reliable in dependability and logistics.
The flexible technology adopted by Pegasus will enable adjustment in strategic plans while facing unfolding challenges in real-time.
Furthermore, KC-46 is an intelligence hub in the sky, further enhancing the competitive and strategic edge of the US aerial fleet.
The withdrawal by Lockheed from the tanker competition may or could lead to a better opportunity of getting more KC-46 orders.
Ambiguously, the acquisition strategy of the Air Force has also undergone major amendments as plans for buying second-phase tankers are cut about in half, to about 75.
This is the purpose of the KC-135 Recapitalization Program-providing an air refueling force with a steadily replenishing fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers, which came into the inventory in the Eisenhower Administration.
The program would ensure that no line of aerial tanker production was ever broken so that the U.S. Air Force would at all times be prepared for any future conflict and competitive in the air.
Whereas the Air Force continues to recapitalize, at the top of this argument are the KC-46 Pegasus and Airbus MRTT.