Why America’s KC-46 Tanker Fleet Is Already Falling Behind The Demand Its Own Air Force Created

There are several factors behind the immense ability of the United States Air Force to project power. One of the most important pillars is its massive fleet of aerial refueling tankers. By some estimates, these account for around 75% of the world’s tankers (depending on inclusion criteria). In 2024, the USAF retired the last of its large KC-10 Extender fleet, leaving it to rely on its large, but aging, KC-135R fleet and its new KC-46 Pegasus family.