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25. February 2026
Air Force Pushes For Flexible Tanker Fleet As Operations Demand Adaptability
The Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) could turn into a family of systems with different capabilities, Lt. Gen. Rebecca J. Sonkiss, interim head of Air Mobility Command, said on February 24 during a media roundtable at AFA’s 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Sonkiss emphasized that recent operations like Midnight Hammer, which struck Iranian nuclear facilities, have highlighted the vital role the aerial refueling fleet plays in air operations. The fact that the Air Force’s tanker fleet has been in operation for over 90 years makes modernizing the mobility fleet a top priority.
“We must figure out what the pathway for [successors to the] C-5 and C-17, that strategic airlift fleet that doesn’t often gain traction in the narrative of what we need to modernize,” Sonkiss said. “We must come up with what the Next-Generation Airlifter is, because it is key to the readiness for the joint force.”
NGAS has long been seen as a crucial component of the Air Force’s recapitalization effort, but little about the program has been solidified. Sonkiss’ approach emphasizes flexibility and exploring various options.
“Is NGAS ‘a family of systems? It could be,” she said. “We are looking at various options to make this happen.”
Northrop Grumman is pitching a three-part “family of systems” concept to the Air Force for NGAS, consisting of a larger blended-wing refueler, a mid-sized tanker, and a smaller unmanned refueler.
Sonkiss also wants to explore different technologies to make the tanker fleet more effective. For example, using stealth or other advanced capabilities to operate in contested airspace.
In addition to NGAS, Sonkiss emphasized the importance of modernizing the C-5 Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster fleets, which have been in service for over 50 years.
“The C-5 is a critical tool in AMC’s airlift toolkit,” she said. “But it’s an old airplane that needs to be replaced.”
Regarding digital connectivity for air mobility forces, Sonkiss acknowledged that the Air Force has been “woefully negligent” by failing to invest in modern connectivity and situational awareness gear.
In the near-term, Sonkiss will focus on addressing this issue and ensuring that the C-5 and C-17 fleets have better connectivity. She also plans to prioritize modernizing the tanker fleet and exploring innovative technologies to make it more effective.
Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink made a similar statement about the need for readiness during his remarks at AFA’s Warfare Symposium on February 24. He promised that next year’s budget will make fiscal 2027 the “year of restoring our foundational readiness accounts,” investing billions of dollars in spare parts, flying hours, facility maintenance, and more.
Meink emphasized that these accounts have long been seen as “bill-payers” for other priorities like modernization. That won’t happen next year. The focus will be on prioritizing readiness while still addressing modernization needs.
The Air Force recognizes the importance of its tanker fleet in supporting air operations. With recent operations highlighting the value of aerial refueling, the service is exploring innovative solutions to modernize its mobility fleet.
Modernizing the C-5 and C-17 fleets is also a top priority. The fact that these aircraft have been in service for over 50 years makes them critical tools in the Air Force’s airlift toolkit.
The need for digital connectivity in air mobility forces cannot be overstated. The Air Force has acknowledged its failure to invest in modern connectivity and situational awareness gear, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue.
In fiscal 2027, the Air Force plans to prioritize readiness while also making significant investments in modernization. This will include billions of dollars dedicated to spare parts, flying hours, facility maintenance, and more.
Overall, Sonkiss’ approach emphasizes flexibility and exploring various options for NGAS. The service is committed to prioritizing readiness while still addressing modernization needs, ensuring that its tanker fleet remains a critical component of air operations.