Lockheed withdraws from US Air Force tanker competition, leaving Airbus to bid alone
Lockheed Martin has said it would shift its tanker team and resources to other programmes. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Airbus remains resolute in its commitment to compete for the KC-135 replacement independently after Lockheed's exit. The shift could prove advantageous to competitor Boeing, potentially boosting its chances of securing another contract with the US Air Force.
This article was updated on 25 October to include a quote from Airbus Defense and Space.
Lockheed Martin has dropped out from the USAF’s competition to provide at least 75 refuelling tankers, potentially changing the trajectory of the programme to a significant extent.
The company joined forces with Airbus in 2018 to leverage the latter manufacturer’s A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and offer the LMXT strategic tanker.
Lockheed’s exit from the endeavour has not deterred Airbus, who has expressed its determination to continue to compete for the KC-135 recapitalisation independently.
‘Airbus remains committed to providing the US Air
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts]()
Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts
Despite Spain’s modest GDP spend on defence, the country still has a range of fixed-wing and UAV programme requirements as yet unawarded, with a potential US$3.10 billion set to be spent over the next decade.
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026]()
January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026
The first month of 2026 has seen activity in the MALE, rotary-wing, and loitering munition UAV markets, with significant investments and commitments from Germany, Turkey, the UAE and the US. At the same time, questions over loitering munition performance in Ukraine highlight the growing scrutiny alongside rising demand.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
-
![British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026]()
British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
