Lockheed picks two sites for LMXT production
Rendering of an LMXT tanker refuelling an F-35. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin is pushing for its LMXT tanker aircraft (based on the A330 MRTT) to be selected by the USAF in the KC-Y programme.
Prime contractor Lockheed Martin intends to build its LMXT strategic tanker in two phases — firstly with Airbus in Mobile, Alabama and then at its facility in Marietta, Georgia —if the Airbus-derived aircraft emerges as the successful candidate in the KC-Y programme for the USAF.
Introduced in September 2021, the LMXT is based on the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport design as a result of a 2018 Memorandum of Agreement between Airbus and Lockheed Martin.
The LMXT aircraft for the KC-Y programme is intended to bridge aerial refuelling capacity shortfalls resulting from the problem-plagued KC-46A Pegasus programme. Shephard Defence Insight describes a KC-Y requirement for 179 aircraft at a cost of around $30 billion.
Lockheed Martin claimed in a 1 February announcement that the LMXT will include ‘significantly improved range and fuel offload capacity over current tankers’ and ‘distinct US Air Force-only capabilities’.
Among these capabilities are the world's first fully automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) boom system; an ‘operational and combat-proven’ advanced camera and rear vision system; open-architecture Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) systems; and a multi-domain operations node that connects the LMXT to the larger battlespace, increasing onboard situational awareness to provide resilient communications and data link for assets across the force.
Lockheed Martin chairman, President, and CEO James Taiclet claimed: ‘The LMXT will strengthen global security by enabling our US service members to carry out their most critical missions at extended ranges.’
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: CCA manufacturers eye growing opportunities in Asia-Pacific]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: CCA manufacturers eye growing opportunities in Asia-Pacific
Companies offering collaborative combat aircraft say there is a massive potential for countries adopting the capability in the Asia-Pacific region.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
