Advanced Tanker Systems
Advanced Tanker Systems (ATS) is a continuation of the efforts previously started in PE 0605057F, Next Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS). Developing future tanker capability and recapitalizing the Air Force's aging tanker fleet is a top priority for the Department of the Air Force, in direct support of the National Defense Strategy's vision of ‘Peace Through Strength.' The pacing challenge and the operational realities of the Indo-Pacific theater demand a paradigm shift in aerial refueling. The current tanker fleet, designed for uncontested airspace, presents a critical vulnerability. Its reliance on large, centralized basing and its significant electronic and physical signature make it a high-value target, jeopardizing the Joint Force's ability to project power and sustain high-tempo operations over vast distances. ATS directly addresses this capability gap, evolving aerial refueling from a simple logistics function into a resilient, combat-enabling capability. The FY 2024 NGAS Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) provided conclusions that tankers will need to be more survivable to operate in a contested environment. ATS is a modernization program designed to improve the connectivity, survivability, and overall viability of the Department of War's current and future tanker fleets. The program directly addresses the challenges of operating in highly-contested, near-peer environments by ensuring the tanker fleet can effectively support the Joint Force's global reach, power projection, and persistence. ATS will focus on developing and integrating platform-agnostic systems that comply with military open-source architecture standards, ensuring rapid adaptability and interoperability across platforms. Program activities will be executed using a modern, digital acquisition framework. This includes the extensive use of digital engineering and modeling, rapid prototyping, and iterative requirements refinement based on continuous market research and post-AoA studies. This agile approach is designed to mature and de-risk critical technologies before they are integrated, accelerating development timelines while reducing lifecycle costs. ATS program funding provides for technology transfer, maturation, and prototyping across four main lines of effort, all of which are critical to the long-term viability of the tanker enterprise.
FY2027 planned work Market research and support requirements development, concept refinement, development planning, Modeling and Simulation, and Studies and Analysis for improved modeling environments to include survivability concepts, iterative design, engineering and integration studies for modular and integrated mission systems onto multiple legacy and future tanker development efforts.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to transfer of efforts from PE 0605057F, Next Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS), Project 640010, NGAS.
FY2027 planned work Direct update tanker models; run high fidelity modeling and simulation; continue acquisition planning, concept refinement, market research, pre-milestone activities, requirements development, acquisition strategy refinement and future tanker development efforts.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to transfer of efforts from PE 0605057F, Next Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS), Project 640010, NGAS and ramp up of program office activities.