In the ongoing roller coaster of defense budgets for 2026, a new development has emerged courtesy of the US Air Force and The War Zone. Specifically, the most recent development regard business jets being outfitted as aerial tankers to aid in the ongoing push to recapitalize the tanker fleet.

Gulfstream

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The idea may sound strange, but it isn’t a foreign one to the world’s largest air force. The hundreds-strong fleet of aerial tankers is aging due to the bulk of the force being mid-century Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extenders. The USAF already operates a number of Gulfstream and Bombardier-based “bizjet” platforms that fit the profile.

Tactical Bizjets & NGAS

The KC-46A Pegasus is currently the star child of the drive to refresh the US

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