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 FY 2024, the Department of the Air Force amended its previous Tanker recapitalization approaches (KC-X, KC-Y, KC-Z) in favor of more agile methods, prioritizing and accelerating the right capabilities to deliver fuel to the fight. The FY 2024 Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) provided conclusions that tankers will need to be more survivable to operate in a contested environment to include but not limited to examining the effectiveness and affordability of more resilient, connected, and survivable tanker systems. The Next Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS) program will develop more advanced capabilities to allow tankers to operate in a more contested environment. Future tanker fleet survivability capabilities are a top priority for the Department of the Air Force to counter pacing threats and enable B-21, CCAs, F-47, survivable tankers, and Space assets in contested environments. In FY 2027, NGAS will continue modeling and simulation support, planning for transition of new technologies for resilient connectivity and survivability (mission systems), and further market research. The Future Tankers System Program Office (SPO) will evaluate, research and pursue cost versus capability analysis, updated tanker models and high-fidelity modeling and simulation to further exercise joint warfighting concepts and plans. NGAS program Research, Development and Test (RDT&E) funding will allow for continued concept refinement and early risk reduction efforts to support continued requirements development and identify refined system attributes. This requirement supports performance of a full financial audit as required by title 10 U.S.C Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding decreased due transfer of efforts to Program Element, 0604343F, Advanced Tanker Systems (ATS), Project 640013, ATS.
FY2026 plans — current year Studies and Analysis activities as determined by the AoA which include but are not limited to market research, development planning, Modeling and Simulation, Studies and Analysis, and excursions based on completed AoA data. Plans also include improved modeling environments and tools to account for tanker 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 decreased due transfer of efforts to Program Element, 0604343F, Advanced Tanker Systems (ATS), Project 640013, ATS.
FY2026 plans — current year Continued market research, studies and analyses; 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.