USAF weighs 'very large' autonomous tankers to replace KC-135 and KC-46

The US Air Force is exploring whether its next refueling aircraft, meant to replace the KC-135 and KC-46, could fly without a crew. The idea gained traction after Boeing's MQ-25 Stingray drone flew for the first time in 2026; the Navy cleared it for low-rate production and raised its order to 14 aircraft. Range remains the main obstacle: the MQ-25 covers about 500 miles with 7.5 tons of fuel, versus nearly 7,400 miles and about 100 tons for the KC-46.

• Navy cleared MQ-25 for low-rate production and ordered 3 more, bringing total to 14
• MQ-25: ~500 miles range and up to 7.5 tons of fuel vs ~7,400 miles and ~100 tons for KC-46
• USAF FY2027 budget requests $13M for advanced refueling systems, dropping the $12M design study
• Merlin Labs is installing autonomous pilot software on the C-130J, certification still pending