Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market

By Type;

Manned and Unmanned

By Component;

Boom, Drogues, Hoses and Refueling Probe

By Aerial Refueling Technologies;

Probe-and-drogue and Boom-and-receptacle

By Geography;

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)
Report ID: Rn684826067 Published Date: August, 2025 Updated Date: September, 2025

Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market Overview

Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market (USD Million)

Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market was valued at USD 5,204.65 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 8,357.53 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.0%.


Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market

*Market size in USD million

CAGR 7.0 %


Study Period2025 - 2031
Base Year2024
CAGR (%)7.0 %
Market Size (2024)USD 5,204.65 Million
Market Size (2031)USD 8,357.53 Million
Market ConcentrationMedium
Report Pages390
5,204.65
2024
8,357.53
2031

Major Players

  • Airbus SE
  • Cobham Plc
  • Eaton Corporation Plc
  • Embraer SA
  • General Electric Co.
  • Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
  • Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH

Market Concentration

Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players

Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market

Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players


The Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market is becoming a critical enabler of modern air force operations, ensuring extended mission endurance and force projection. Adoption of aerial refueling tankers has grown by over 30%, driven by the rising need for long-range strike capabilities and continuous air patrol missions. These tankers significantly enhance operational flexibility, allowing fighter jets, transport aircraft, and surveillance planes to stay airborne longer without interruption.

Key Drivers Fueling Market Expansion
Growing focus on strategic air dominance and enhanced combat readiness is shaping market momentum. Nearly 40% of air forces globally are prioritizing refueling capabilities to strengthen their defense infrastructure. The demand for multi-mission and cost-efficient platforms is increasing as militaries seek to optimize force deployment while reducing reliance on ground-based refueling.

Advancements Transforming Capabilities
Technological improvements such as boom and probe refueling systems, automated fuel transfer controls, and next-generation composite materials are driving adoption. Around 45% of modern tanker fleets now integrate advanced avionics and digital systems for more efficient refueling operations. These innovations improve mission safety, reduce fuel wastage, and extend the lifecycle of tanker aircraft.

Strategic Collaborations and Modernization
Partnerships between defense contractors and governments are accelerating modernization programs. Over 50% of current defense contracts involve upgrades, co-development, or fleet expansion initiatives. Strategic mergers and collaborations are also leading to innovations in modular tanker designs, ensuring adaptability for diverse mission profiles and improved interoperability across allied forces.

  1. Introduction
    1. Research Objectives and Assumptions
    2. Research Methodology
    3. Abbreviations
  2. Market Definition & Study Scope
  3. Executive Summary
    1. Market Snapshot, By Type
    2. Market Snapshot, By Component
    3. Market Snapshot, By Aerial Refueling Technologies
    4. Market Snapshot, By Region
  4. Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market Trends
    1. Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
      1. Drivers
        1. Extended Operational Range
        2. Enhanced Mission Effectiveness
        3. Force Projection and Rapid Deployment
        4. Interoperability and Coalition Operations
      2. Restraints
        1. Budgetary Constraints
        2. Complex Procurement Processes
        3. Operational and Logistical Considerations
      3. Opportunities
        1. Modernization and Fleet Recapitalization
        2. Emerging Markets and New Entrants
        3. Multi-Mission Capabilities
        4. International Collaboration and Partnership
    2. PEST Analysis
      1. Political Analysis
      2. Economic Analysis
      3. Social Analysis
      4. Technological Analysis
    3. Porter's Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of Substitutes
      4. Threat of New Entrants
      5. Competitive Rivalry

  5. Market Trends
    1. Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Manned
      2. Unmanned
    2. Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market, By Component, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Boom
      2. Drogues
      3. Hoses
      4. Refueling Probe
    3. Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market, By Aerial Refueling Technologies, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Probe-and-drogue
      2. Boom-and-receptacle
    4. Military Aerial Refueling Tanker Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. North America
        1. United States
        2. Canada
      2. Europe
        1. Germany
        2. United Kingdom
        3. France
        4. Italy
        5. Spain
        6. Nordic
        7. Benelux
        8. Rest of Europe
      3. Asia Pacific
        1. Japan
        2. China
        3. India
        4. Australia & New Zealand
        5. South Korea
        6. ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
        7. Rest of Asia Pacific
      4. Latin America
        1. Brazil
        2. Mexico
        3. Argentina
        4. Rest of Latin America
      5. Middle East & Africa
        1. GCC
        2. Israel
        3. South Africa
        4. Rest of Middle East & Africa
  6. Competitive Landscape
    1. Company Profiles
      1. Airbus SE
      2. Cobham Plc
      3. Eaton Corporation Plc
      4. Embraer SA
      5. General Electric Co.
      6. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
      7. Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH
  7. Analyst Views
  8. Future Outlook of the Market