The global military aerial refueling tanker market is estimated to reach USD 2.43 billion by 2030, with a significant CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period 2022–2030, and it was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2022.
Air refueling aircraft is a key type of equipment for major powers’ air forces. Air refueling tankers refuel the oil-receiving aircraft in the air, increasing the range and ammunition capacity. Only in terms of function is the purpose of the tanker slightly more straightforward. If it is used tactically, the effect of the tanker will be more visible. Refueling in the air can increase the range of the combat aircraft, allowing the aircraft to fly into previously unreachable airspace, perform tasks that were not possible in the past, and save time for the aircraft to land and refuel.
It is primarily attributed to shifting towards next-generation long-range strike platforms or bombers. The growing demand for converting commercial aircraft into military tankers using the FBW boom system will also boost the military aerial refueling tanker market growth. Moreover, the high acceptance from the military sector and the rising defense budgets of various countries worldwide would impact the robust growth of the global military aerial refueling tanker market. Developing various high-tech weapons and tankers is expected to drive the lucrative growth of the military aerial refueling tanker industry.
Furthermore, gradually enhancing the capability of aerial refueling platforms, which helps refuel long-range strategic bombers, is anticipated to increase the demand for military aerial refueling tankers. Also, the increasing acceptance of the fly-by-wire (FBW) boom system is expected to foster global market growth. In addition to making up for the shortcomings of insufficient fuel capacity in military aircraft, air refueling will significantly improve combat effectiveness. The surge in aerial fueling to top up the aircraft for long-range flying and loiter will positively impact the military aerial refueling tanker market. The emergence of multi-role aircraft tankers and their extensive usage due to the benefits such as less fuel consumption will trigger the global military aerial refueling tanker market share. Additionally, the emergence of a smart drogue system has gained prominence among industry participants due to its sensors and connection to an existing hose that continuously regulates basket movements, boosting market growth.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, total world military expenditure rose to $1822 billion in 2018, representing an increase of 2.6% from 2017. The five biggest spenders in 2018 were the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, India, and France, which captured around 60% of global military spending. It also states that World military spending in 2018 represented 2.1% of global gross domestic product (GDP) or $239 per person. In 2018, India increased its military spending by 3.1% to $66.5 billion. Military expenditure in Pakistan grew by 11%.
U.S. Air Force planners have begun to prepare for the acquisition of new types of air tankers and transport aircraft in the next 20 years. With its computing power, they can Link to other platforms, sensors, and weapon links at the speed of light, bringing creative solutions to combat. The U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) has begun to purchase a class of tankers that are not easily detected.
The experiment of drone refueling in the air has also begun, and one drone is used to refuel another. In April 2015, the U.S. Navy’s unmanned aerial vehicle X47-B automatically flew to a pilot-operated tanker and operated the probe tube to connect with the cone sleeve. Earlier this year, China also used a small drone to refuel another drone—although both aircraft were still under human control.
Based on components, the global military aerial refueling tanker market was classified into refueling pods, probes, drogues, hoses, and booms. The drogues segment captured the maximum Military Aerial Refueling Tanker market share in 2021. It is attributable to their high production and use to offload fuel to the receiver aircraft. Refueling pods are likely to grow substantially in the forecast period. It is owing to its vital function in regulating the fuel transfer rate.
Based on aerial refueling technologies, the global military aerial refueling tanker market bifurcates into Probe, Drogue, and boom-and-receptacle. The Probe and Drogue segment accounted for a higher revenue share in 2021 and is projected to dominate the global military aerial refueling tanker market by 2030. It is primarily attributed to the fact that it allows passive operation for tanker systems compared to the counterpart, and it is the most efficient system for UAS tankers because it does not require tankers to direct the drogue precisely.
The boom-and-receptacle will grow with a lucrative growth rate in the forecast period. This is because it has a higher fuel-transferring rate than its counterpart.
Based on the distribution channel, the global military aerial refueling tanker market is classified into OEM and Aftermarket. OEMs will hold higher market potential by 2030. This is owing to these military aerial refueling tanker systems equipped in the aircraft for refueling procedures.
The aftermarket segment held a significant market share in 2021. This is due to the growing demand for replacing integral components of these systems, such as refueling pods and drogues.
Based on geography, the global military aerial refueling tanker market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa. North America will have a significant share by 2030 in the military aerial refueling tanker market. The growth in the region can be attributed to the presence of established industry participants, the growing defense budget of the U.S. and the presence of multiple variants of refueling tankers.
The Asia Pacific is expected to provide significant growth opportunities due to rising defense in countries including Japan, China, and Australia, demanding military refueling tankers.
Companies such as Airbus SE, Cobham Plc, Eaton Corporation Plc, Embraer SA, General Electric Co., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH, Lockheed Martin Corp., Rostec State Corp, and Boeing Co. are the key players in the global military aerial refueling tanker market.
September 2022: Israel was foreseen to purchase four Boeing Co (BA.N) KC-46A refueling tankers for its air force. The Israeli government and the US defense contractor announced a USD 927 million deal, with the delivery of the first planes expected in 2025.
By Component
By Aerial Refueling Technologies
By Distribution Channel
By Region
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Global Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market
The global military aerial refueling tanker market in 2022 is 1.25 billion.
The growing demand for converting commercial aircraft into military tankers using the FBW boom system will also boost the military aerial refueling tanker market growth.
Companies such as Airbus SE, Cobham Plc, Eaton Corporation Plc, Embraer SA, General Electric Co., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH, Lockheed Martin Corp., Rostec State Corp, and Boeing Co. are the key players in the global military aerial refueling tanker market.
The drogues segment captured the maximum Military Aerial Refueling Tanker market share.
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