# Air Force Evaluates Civilian Refueling Expansion

The U.S. military’s existing use of commercial air-refueling providers for training and other noncombat missions has prompted renewed consideration of expanding the capability to reduce pressure on the aging Air Force tanker fleet. The article presents further analysis—not a new solicitation—and identifies FAA certification, mobilization capacity, and commercial viability as key hurdles. A Navy-managed commercial refueling contract and an April 2025 Omega KDC-10 proof of concept refueling a C-17 show existing commercial activity, while a proposal for Pentagon-backed civilian acquisition of KC-46 aircraft remains an option under discussion.

- Companies with tanker operations or aircraft-conversion capabilities can assess whether they could support training and other noncombat refueling, while accounting for certification and mobilization constraints.
- The proposed KC-46 financing model cites about **$160 million per aircraft for the Air Force** and about **$250 million per aircraft for non-U.S. customers**; these figures describe a proposal, not an announced award or funding commitment.
- Procurement teams and contractors should distinguish the established Navy service arrangement and completed proof of concept from a potential future expansion, for which the article identifies no solicitation or procurement timeline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Transportation
**Published:** November 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- U.S. Navy (USN)
- Naval Air Systems Command, Adversary and Special Aircraft Program Office (NAVAIR PMA-226)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Royal Air Force (RAF)

### Vendors
- Omega Air Refueling Services (Air-refueling services provider under Navy contract)
- Metrea Air (Air-refueling services provider under Navy contract)
- AirTanker Ltd. (Tanker capacity provider under a lease agreement with the Royal Air Force)

### Sources
- [The Future of Civilian Contract Air Refueling | Air & Space Forces Magazine](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/the-future-of-civilian-contract-air-refueling) - Air & Space Forces Magazine