Introduction
In anticipation of a potential large-scale conflict against a peer adversary, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) faces an increasingly complex landscape with a substantial number of tasks and challenges. One of these critical missions is maintaining air superiority while operating within a contested environment, particularly when operating in the face of an enemy’s Integrated Air Defense System (IADS). To enable friendly air superiority in a contested environment, Aerial refueling (AAR) is a mandatory capability that both extends the range and on-station loiter time of combat aircraft.
The KC-135 Stratotanker comprises the vast majority (396 of 489) of current USAF tanker aircraft, but lacks modern situational awareness, data link, and defensive systems. This makes them increasingly vulnerable in contested airspaces. Conversely, the newer KC-46 Pegasus does have these modern capabilities, but represents only 19% of the total tanker fleet as of 2025. The USAF is expected to purchase a total of 179 KC-46s by 2030, creating an approximate end strength of only 35% “modern” tankers.
The USAF should consider integrating Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) alongside its existing KC-135 tankers when tasked with refueling in these contested environments. These unmanned, autonomous CCAs would serve in a loyal wingman role and ultimately 1) improve KC-135 survivability and enable refueling closer to enemy threats, thereby increasing combat aircraft on-station time; 2) preclude the need for a KC-Y, or so-called “bridge” tanker, platform between the current KC-46 fleet and the future KC-Z Next Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS); and 3) provide significant cost savings, guaranteeing the prioritization of other critical Department of the Air Force (DAF) initiatives such as the Sentinel ICBM, B-21 bomber, and the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programs.
Integrating CCAs into the USAF’s refueling operations will enhance tanker survivability, utilize the existing KC-135 to bridge the KC-46 and NGAS, and provide substantial cost savings, all while supporting the development of other vital next-generation air capabilities. First, this article will explore the development and capabilities of CCAs. Then, it will discuss how CCAs stand to improve the survivability of refueling missions and how they can help extend the future combat role of the KC-135 fleet. Finally, it will analyze the cost benefits of using CCAs and how this integration will enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to prioritize other critical programs.
Definition and Capabilities of CCAs
Autonomous CCAs are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) designed to work in tandem with manned aircraft to enhance combat operations. Unlike traditional drones, CCAs are equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities, allowing them to operate autonomously within their mission set. These aircraft are being designed to take on numerous roles, from surveillance and electronic warfare to direct combat and protection of high-value assets. The integration of CCAs into USAF operations represents a shift towards more flexible, cost-effective, and survivable tactics in future conflicts.
CCAs in Development
Several prototypes of CCAs are currently being developed to meet the needs of future air combat operations. One such example is the XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed by Kratos Defense and Security Solutions in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The XQ-58 is designed to be a low-cost, high-performance drone capable of performing a variety of tasks, including air-to-air combat and acting as a decoy for manned aircraft. Similarly, General Atomics is developing the Gambit, an autonomous system with the ability to collaborate with other platforms for missions that involve surveillance, target designation, and electronic warfare. Another example is the Anduril Fury, which is designed to be a versatile, autonomous combat aircraft capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. These examples showcase the diverse roles CCAs can play in modern warfare, particularly in support of traditional manned platforms like the KC-135.
Improving Tanker Survivability in Combat
The primary goal when conducting combat AAR missions is to extend the loiter time of fighter aircraft. The main concern in a contested environment, though, is the vulnerability of the tanker aircraft, largely unaware and undefended. The slow speed and large radar signature of the KC-135 make it an easy target for adversaries’ advanced IADS including air-to-air weapons. The main tactic to avoid tanker losses is distance – keeping them outside of enemy range. This, in turn, drives friendly fighter aircraft much further from their combat air patrol (CAP) in order to refuel, decreasing the all-important on-station time. While it is impossible to reduce the large radar signature of the KC-135, integrating CCAs alongside the refueling mission would provide numerous advantages to improve the survivability of these tankers.
Enhanced Radar and Sensor Capabilities
One of the key advantages of CCAs is their ability to carry advanced radar and sensor systems that the KC-135 lacks. CCAs can be equipped with radar systems such as the AN/APG-83 AESA radar or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which provide long-range detection capabilities. These radars can extend the range of situational awareness for both the tanker and its accompanying fighters, allowing for early detection of incoming threats. This enhanced awareness allows both the CCA and the KC-135 to detect potential threats far in advance, giving the tanker aircraft more time to respond to dangers or avoid attacks.
Improved Connectivity through Datalink Systems
Designed with modern battlespace integration in mind, CCAs will operate in a networked environment where information is shared between various platforms in real-time. By linking a CCA alongside a KC-135, a more comprehensive battlespace awareness can be achieved for the manned tanker. The Link-16 data link system, commonly used by NATO forces, is one example of how CCAs can communicate with other aircraft, ground stations, and command centers. This real-time data sharing improves situational awareness, enabling the tanker and its protective CCAs to anticipate threats and plan maneuvers accordingly. An additional benefit of this data link is the ability to fluidly change the refueling plan and/or Agile Combat Employment (ACE) recovery locations when outside of radio communication range. Enhanced connectivity ensures that both the CCA and the tanker are aware of potential threats and can coordinate defensive responses more effectively.
Defensive Systems to Protect the Tanker
In addition to enhancing radar and data link capabilities, CCAs can also be equipped with various defensive systems to protect the tanker from attack. Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) systems, such as the Northrop Grumman AN/AAQ-24, are designed to detect and defeat incoming infrared-guided missiles. Similarly, CCAs can carry and dispense flares and chaff to confuse radar and infrared-guided missiles, creating additional layers of protection for the tanker. By deploying these systems on CCAs, the tanker can be shielded from missile threats. These defensive measures make it significantly harder for adversaries to target the vulnerable tanker, ensuring that air refueling can continue closer to high-threat environments, increasing fighter aircraft lethality.
The Sacrificial Decoy Concept
Another critical role for CCAs assigned to a high-threat AAR scenario might be acting as sacrificial decoys. CCAs can draw enemy fire away from the more scarce, exquisite, and manned tanker aircraft, allowing the KC-135 to escape, complete its mission, and safely recover. This tactic is particularly useful when facing advanced threats, such as surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) or enemy fighters. Since CCAs are relatively inexpensive compared to manned tankers, they can be sacrificed without significantly impacting the overall mission. The decoy function adds a level of flexibility and survivability to the refueling mission that would be difficult to achieve with traditional aircraft alone.
Extending the KC-135’s Useful Lifespan in a Peer Conflict
The KC-135 fleet is an aging asset that faces growing maintenance costs and operational limitations. However, it remains a tested and successful enabler of gaining and maintaining air superiority. With KC-46 production ending on the near horizon, and the NGAS being pushed further into the future, the integration of CCAs alongside the Stratotanker could extend the viability of the KC-135 fleet in future conflict scenarios.
Preventing the Need for a Bridge Tanker
The USAF has divested its entire KC-10 inventory and has added 93 KC-46s to date. With a total order number of the Pegasus sitting at 179, some Air Force leaders have proposed the need for a “bridge” tanker to fill the gap between current inventory and the future development of NGAS. Instead of developing yet another tanker platform, the utilization of CCAs that are already developed will keep the KC-135 fleet squarely in the fight. The integration of CCAs would prevent the need for an additional tanker platform in the interim, reducing operational disruptions.
Allowing More Time to Research and Develop the Next Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS)
By relying on CCAs to augment the capabilities of the KC-135, the USAF can buy more time for the development of the Next Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS). NGAS is intended to replace both the KC-135 and KC-46 in the future, offering cutting-edge technology and increased versatility. It is still undetermined whether it will be manned or un-manned. However, the development and fielding of NGAS will require substantial time and competing resources. In the meantime, the use of CCAs in support of the KC-135 fleet ensures that the Air Force can continue its refueling mission effectively without prematurely rushing into an NGAS product that has not fully matured.
Cost Savings and Economic Efficiency
One of the most compelling arguments for integrating CCAs into the refueling mission is the significant cost savings they offer.
Cost Comparison: CCA vs. KC-46
The cost of a single CCA is estimated at $25-30 million, which is far less than the $159 million price tag of a KC-46 if more of those were to be purchased. Moreover, the KC-135s themselves are valued at $80 million (based on 1998 fiscal dollar purchase price of $39.5 million) and do not have an open production line. By integrating CCAs alongside existing KC-135s, the USAF can achieve substantial cost savings, freeing up funds for other high-priority programs.
Prioritizing DAF Initiatives
Given recent DAF assessments and budget concerns, it seems inevitable that the NGAS will be de-prioritized below other programs. By integrating CCAs, KC-135s can fill the role of modern tankers, freeing up critical dollars to support other strategic Department of the Air Force (DAF) priorities, such as the development of the Sentinel ICBM, the B-21 bomber, and the NGAD program. These programs are essential for ensuring U.S. air superiority in the coming decades, and the cost savings from using CCAs can be redirected to support their continued development and procurement.
Conclusion
The integration of autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft into the U.S. Air Force’s refueling operations offers significant advantages in terms of survivability, cost savings, and operational flexibility. By enhancing the survivability of existing tankers in contested environments, preventing the need for an additional “bridge” tanker platform, and providing substantial cost savings, CCAs will allow the KC-135s to continue conducting air refueling missions while prioritizing the development of next-generation technologies. The integration of CCAs represents a strategic move toward more cost-effective and survivable air operations, ensuring that the U.S. remains prepared for future high-end conflicts.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force or the U.S. Government.
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