# Air Force Explores Autonomous Tanker Systems

The U.S. Air Force is actively shifting its tanker fleet modernization strategy by exploring optionally manned and autonomous large aircraft capabilities, inspired by the Navy's MQ-25 Stingray program. This strategic pivot involves reallocating funding from new tanker development toward advanced tanker systems that integrate autonomy and enhanced connectivity. Companies like Merlin Labs are advancing autonomy technologies for aircraft comparable in size to the KC-135 Stratotanker, with ongoing efforts to address certification and safety challenges. This initiative signals emerging procurement opportunities focused on autonomy integration, system upgrades, and technology partnerships for future tanker platforms.

- The Air Force's 2027 budget request includes approximately **$13 million** for exploring and procuring advanced tanker systems with optionally manned or autonomous features.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate evolving requirements emphasizing autonomy, human-machine teaming, and connectivity enhancements in tanker platforms.
- Contractors specializing in autonomous flight systems, large aircraft modifications, and certification processes may find new business opportunities aligned with this strategic shift.
- This development indicates a broader DoD trend toward integrating unmanned capabilities in legacy and new platforms, impacting future contract solicitations and technology investments.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- U.S. Navy (Navy)
- Air Mobility Command (AMC)

### Vendors
- Boeing (prime contractor)
- Merlin Labs (technology provider)

### Key Quotes
> We're going to be implementing autonomy on the C-130J, which is the same general size class as the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. And the advantage with those aircraft is you can start to implement autonomy still with human crews aboard, and you can supplement those human crews in a way that's pretty helpful.
> — Matthew George, CEO, Merlin Labs

### Sources
- [Air Force contemplates unmanned tankers - Defense One](https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2026/09/air-force-contemplates-unmanned-tankers/416069) - Defense One