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U.S. Air Force Eyes Arming Tankers with Active Defenses Against Missiles and Drones

The U.S. Air Force is moving to strengthen the survivability of its aerial refueling fleet as evolving threats place tanker aircraft within reach of long-range missiles, loitering munitions, and advanced air-defense systems. As concerns grow over operations in contested environments, the issue has gained increasing attention because tankers are essential to sustaining U.S. airpower yet remain among its most exposed strategic assets. Unlike modern fighters and bombers that benefit from stealth features, electronic warfare suites, and advanced self-protection systems, tanker aircraft continue to operate with limited defenses despite their critical role in enabling global strike and power projection missions. Improving their ability to survive in high-threat airspace is becoming a key requirement for future warfare, where the loss or displacement of refueling assets could significantly reduce the reach and effectiveness of U.S. combat operations. Read more. 

A KC-46 Pegasus from the 418th Flight Test Squadron refuels an F-22 Raptor while an F-35A waits its turn over the Pacific Test Range on November 5, 2025. (Picture source: US DoD)



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