Next Generation Air-refueling System

Next Generation Air-refueling System falls under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity for the Air Force. The program aims to replace the previous recapitalization approaches with a more agile method, prioritizing and accelerating the right capabilities to deliver fuel to the fight. This new approach involves the accelerated development of an advanced air refueling system that meets the future needs of the joint force. The program's specific objectives include delivering upgraded capabilities in multiple types of tankers by leveraging benefits of full and open competition, ensuring air refueling in a contested environment to address projected future threats and needed capabilities, and providing refueling capability to U.S. and coalition receivers via a boom or drogue system on every mission.

The Next Generation Air-refueling System program (PE 0605057F) aims to develop an advanced air refueling system that meets the future needs of the joint force. The program's specific goals include delivering upgraded capabilities in multiple types of tankers by leveraging benefits of full and open competition, ensuring air refueling in a contested environment to address projected future threats and needed capabilities, and providing refueling capability to U.S. and coalition receivers via a boom or drogue system on every mission. Additionally, the program aims to augment the airlift fleet with cargo, passenger, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities while operating in day/night and adverse weather conditions to enable deployment, employment, sustainment, and redeployment of U.S. and coalition forces. The program also focuses on developing, fielding, and sustaining warfighter refueling capabilities to meet evolving threats and mission support requirements through block or discrete modification or modernization programs depending on mission urgency, available funding, and programmatic and technical risks.