The Air Force could ditch its bid for a KC-135 Stratotanker replacement if it can speed up the arrival of a more advanced tanker aircraft. Mar 24, 2025 · The U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command has suggested their KC-135 Stratotanker fleet may serve beyond 2050 with a life extension and upgrade program. Air Force has not decided on its plan to replace much of its KC-135 fleet following its buy of KC-46As. Mar 25, 2025 · According to General John D. Lamontagne, “recapitalization of the tanker fleet is absolutely a priority”—but it’s going to take a while. In the meantime, the KC-135 will possibly need to … Mar 28, 2026 · The images show three KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft destroyed on the flight line, with several additional aircraft reportedly sustaining heavy damage.
