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Military Aerial Refueling Market, By Type (Manned and Unmanned), By System (Probe and Drogue, Flying Boom, Autonomous, and Others), By Component (Pumps, Valves, Nozzles, Hoses, Fuel Tanks, and Others), By Aircraft Type (Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing), By Installation (OEM and Aftermarket) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Report Format: PDF | Published Date: Ongoing | Report ID: FBI108168 | Status : Upcoming

Military aerial refueling, also known as air-to-air refueling or in-flight refueling, is the process of transferring fuel from one military aircraft to another during flight. It involves a tanker aircraft equipped with specialized fuel transfer systems, known as boom or probe and drogue systems, connecting with a receiver aircraft to transfer fuel. This capability enables military aircraft to extend their range, increase their time on station, and carry out long-range missions without the need for frequent refueling stops.


Market insights


The market for military aerial refueling system is driven by the increasing demand for extended range and endurance of military aircraft. Aerial refueling enables aircraft to fly longer distances without the need for frequent refueling stops, enhancing their operational capabilities and flexibility. Additionally, it allows for the rapid deployment of military assets to distant locations, improving response times and overall mission effectiveness.


Additionally, growing need for strategic airlift and logistics support also expected to propels the market growth. Aerial refueling plays a crucial role in supporting large-scale military operations by facilitating the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies to various locations around the world. It enables efficient and timely deployment of forces, enhancing military readiness and operational efficiency. .


However, high cost associated with the procurement and maintenance of aerial refueling systems and aircraft are expected to hinder the market growth. These systems require advanced technologies and infrastructure, making them expensive to develop and operate. Budgetary constraints in defense spending can limit the acquisition of new refueling systems, impacting market growth.


Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on Military Aerial Refueling Market:


 The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had an impact on the military aerial refueling system market, particularly in Europe. The conflict has led to an increase in the demand for military aircraft with extended ranges and capabilities, including those equipped with aerial refueling system. This has resulted in several European countries, such as Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom, investing in modernizing their military aircraft fleets, including the procurement of new aerial refueling tankers.


The conflict has also highlighted the importance of aerial refueling capabilities in modern military operation, particularly for the air campaigns and operation conducted over long distance the ability to extend the range and capability of the military aircraft through aerial refueling is critical capability for them any military operations, and has become even more important in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, which has highlighted the need for rapid and flexible military responses to emerging threats.


The impact of the conflict in Ukraine on the military aerial refueling system market has been significant, highlighting both the importance of this technology in modern military operations and the challenges and risks associated with its procurement and deployment.


The military aerial refueling market is by type the market is segmented into manned and unmanned. By system the market is segmented into probe and drogue, flying boom, autonomous, and others. By component the market is divided into pumps, valves, nozzles, hoses, fuel tanks, and others. By aircraft type, the market is segregated into fixed wing and rotary wing. By installation, the market is segmented into OEM and aftermarket.


Key Insights


The report will include the following key insights:



  • The report analyzes a detailed industry overview, including qualitative and quantitative information.

  • The report analyzes an overview and forecast of the military aerial refueling market based on various segments.

  • The report also analyzes comprehensive PEST analysis for all five regions, i.e., North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World, after evaluating economic, social, political, and technological factors affecting the impact of the military aerial refueling market in these regions.


Regional Analysis



North America dominated the military aerial refueling market due to its robust defense infrastructure and the presence of key manufacturers and operators. The U.S., in particular, has a large fleet of aerial refueling tankers and is actively engaged in military operations worldwide, driving the demand for refueling capabilities. Europe also plays a crucial role in the military aerial refueling market, with countries like the U.K., France, and Germany investing in modernizing their aerial refueling capabilities.


The Asia Pacific region is witnessing significant growth in the military aerial refueling market, driven by the increasing defense expenditures and the modernization of military aircraft fleets. Countries such as China and India are expanding their refueling capabilities to support their expanding military operations and power projection in the region.


Key Players


Prominent companies involved in the military aerial refueling market are Lockheed Martin Corporation., Boeing, Eaton Corporation, Safran, Israel Aerospace Industries, Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Limited, PARKER HANNIFIN CORP, and others.


Segmentation






















By Type



By System



By Component



By Aircraft Type



By Installation



By Region




  • Manned

  • Unmanned




  • Probe and Drogue

  • Flying Boom

  • Autonomous

  • Others




  • Pumps

  • Valves

  • Nozzles

  • Hoses

  • Fuel Tanks

  • Others




  • Fixed Wing

  • Rotary Wing




  • OEM

  • Aftermarket




  • North America (U.S. and Canada)

  • Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Russia, and Rest of Europe)

  • Asia Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of the Asia Pacific)

  • Rest of the World (Middle East & Africa and Latin America)



Recent developments



  • In December 2022, Boeing Co. has been awarded a contract worth USD 398.2 million to manufacture two new KC-464 Pegasus military aircraft for japan. The KC 464 planes, which are a variant of the Boeing 767-200 wide body passenger jet, are multirole aerial tankers that can refuel various military aircraft, including those of U.S., its allies, and coalition partners, following international aerial refueling protocols.



  • In May 2022, The Executive of Lockheed martin and airbus have revealed that boom strategy for the LMXT strategic tanker aircraft, which is Lockheed Martin’s entry for the KC-Y strategic tanker initiative of the U.S. air force, will be produced by Airbus in Western Arkansas.

  • Global
  • 2023
  • 2019-2022
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