NGAS Archives

KC-46A aircraft assigned to the 157th Air Refueling Wing perform an elephant walk formation on the runway at Pease Air National Guard Base, Sept. 8, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Timm Huffman)

Air Force shifts sixth-gen tanker strategy to prioritize mission systems over new aircraft

The Air Force wants to redirect NGAS funds into a new Advanced Tanker Systems effort in fiscal 2027.

3 hours ago By Mikayla Easley

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, refuels a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft during exercise RAMSTEIN FLAG 2024 while flying over the coast of Greece, Oct. 4, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

Air Force considering ‘every option’ for sixth-gen tanker, AMC commander says

The Air Force recently published another RFI for the Next Generation Air-refueling System program — this time focusing on refining projected costs.

Sep 23, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Next-generation air dominance and CCA drone concept art (Lockheed Martin image)

Big decisions coming for the Air Force’s next-gen aircraft platforms

Some of the service’s future aircraft programs are in limbo as it looks for more clarity over the next few months.

Sep 27, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

Rendering of the blended-wing body aircraft (U.S. Air Force graphic)

Air Force taps JetZero to build blended-wing body aircraft prototype

The prototype could inform the Air Force's future next-generation tanker and airlifter programs.

Aug 16, 2023 By Mikayla Easley

Air Force acquisition executive Andrew Hunter briefs the media at AFA’s Warfare Symposium, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Brandi Vincent)

Air Force acquisition chief outlines new approach for more survivable, better networked next-gen tankers

The technologies envisioned for NGAS will likely have more self-protection and networking features — and will also have the “ability to go deeper into contested airspace,” Andrew…

Mar 7, 2023 By Brandi Vincent