Lockheed Martin has opted out of the USAF KC-135 Tanker Recapitalization competition, according to a report on Defense One.
Lockheed Martin and Airbus originally teamed up in September 2021 to offer the LMXT for the KC-Y program. The LMXT is based on the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). As the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin would have implemented U.S. Air Force-specific requirements within the LMXT.
The tanker recapitalization effort began in June 2021 when the U.S. Air Force issued a sources sought notice for a tanker aircraft, dubbed the KC-Y, that would bridge the gap between the KC-46 and a next-generation tanker (KC-Z) beginning in 2029. The USAF expects to receive its last KC-46 in 2029, and the service needs an aircraft to supplement the fleet once deliveries are complete. However, by mid-2022 news reports indicated that the USAF may skip the competition and just continue procurement of the KC-46.
In March 2023, the USAF shrank the size of the procurement to 75 aircraft. The cut reinforces speculation that a competition may skipped in favor of continued Boeing KC-46 procurement.
In July 2023, Air Force officials announced that they planned to issue a request for information (RFI) for the next phase in the KC-135 Tanker Recapitalization Program, which has replaced the now-defunct KC-Y effort. Under this RFI, the service will investigate next-generation air refueling system (NGAS) options.
With Lockheed Martin out of the picture, Boeing is now the frontrunner with its KC-46A. However, Airbus has not yet announced if it will pursue the competition independently.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
