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
-
![Latin American fixed-wing capability gaps create openings for industry competition]()
Latin American fixed-wing capability gaps create openings for industry competition
Transport and tanker aircraft represent a growing opportunity in Latin America as countries in the region increasingly look to replace ageing fleets and reduce dependence on second-hand platforms.
-
![With a wave of upgrades, the MQ-9B is ready for high-tech warfare]()
With a wave of upgrades, the MQ-9B is ready for high-tech warfare
The modern battlefield is evolving rapidly — threats range from stealthy cruise missiles to coordinated drone swarms. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is meeting these challenges head-on with a series of transformative upgrades to its MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and maritime SeaGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft.
-
![June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory]()
June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory
June 2026 saw the landmark acquisition of the first fighter-type Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), while the month also hosted Eurosatory, which showcased deep-strike capabilities and production deals with the civilian industry.
-
![BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly]()
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
