MQ-25 will fly off the deck: The US Navy will lift an unmanned tanker from an aircraft carrier for the first time in 2026

MQ-25: Not just a drone, but a revolution on deck

In 2026, the US Navy will take a step that has been dreamed of for decades: an unmanned MQ-25 Stingray tanker aircraft will take off from the deck of an aircraft carrier for the first time. This is not just a technical achievement, it is a paradigm shift. Now aerial refueling, previously entrusted to combat fighters, will pass into the hands of an autonomous vehicle. And it will change everything.

The MQ-25, created by Boeing, is designed specifically for the harsh conditions of deck operations. It will be able to carry up to 6.8 tons of fuel and refuel several aircraft in one flight.

Super Hornet is no longer a tanker

Currently, almost a third of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet sorties on an aircraft carrier are not combat missions, but refueling missions. The fighter itself, designed for combat, is forced to carry fuel so that other vehicles can reach the target. This is a huge loss of combat power.

With the advent of the MQ-25, these functions will be removed from the Super Hornet. Now it will be able to take off with combat weapons, and not with external tanks. Every fighter jet is a strike, not a fuel tanker.

How does this change the combat capabilities of an aircraft carrier

Imagine: an aircraft carrier wing can launch more fighters, they fly further, stay in the air longer and return to refuel more often. The MQ-25 will be waiting for them at a given point, like a flying gas station.

This means that the range of the aircraft carrier will grow without a single change in its design. And this is a strategic advantage, especially in areas with dense air defenses, where every kilometer counts.

The path to full autonomy in the air

The MQ-25 is not the end, but the beginning. This is the first drone to become part of the deck loop. It will show that autonomous systems can operate in the most difficult conditions — on a swinging deck, in cramped hangars, in rain and storms.

In the future, such drones may take over not only refueling, but also reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and even strike missions. The aircraft carrier will become a hub for autonomous systems, not just a base for manned aircraft.

Sources on the MQ-25 Stingray carrier-based tanker drone and its 2026 entry into service

1. UNIAN — the first serial MQ-25 is scheduled to fly in 2025, with carrier integration expected in 2026. It will be the world’s first operational carrier-based tanker UAV, able to refuel combat aircraft at long range.
2. Hi-Tech Mail.ru — factory tests of the latest MQ-25 Stingray are underway in the U.S.; the U.S. Navy plans to begin operating the drone from carriers in 2026 to extend the range and endurance of carrier aviation.
3. Central Asia News — the MQ-25 Stingray will boost U.S. naval aviation by providing aerial refueling, ISR (intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance), and data collection. Full operational capability is expected in the 2030s.
4. RuPosters — the U.S. Navy intends to acquire 76 MQ-25 drones; the first serial aircraft should be delivered in 2026. The program has seen some delays, but development is on track.
5. ArmIya.az — U.S. Naval Air Forces commander Vice Admiral Daniel Cheever stated that the MQ-25 will fly in 2025 and begin carrier operations the following year.

The Israeli Air Force will receive an "air PBX" — new KC-46A tankers are on the way

Next year will be a turning point for Israeli aviation: The Israeli Air Force will finally receive its first KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft, which will dramatically expand its long-range flight capabilities. It's like putting a "gas station" on the wings — now Israeli fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft will be able to fly further, longer and not depend on the nearest airfields.

The KC-46A is not just a large fuel tank. This is a high-tech machine from Boeing, capable of flying 11,830 kilometers without refueling and transferring up to 207,000 pounds of fuel (that's almost 94 tons!) to other aircraft. At the same time, it is compatible with more than 64 types of aircraft, including F-35, F-15, F-16 fighter jets and even refueling helicopters.

Why is this so important? Israel is a small country, but its military operations often extend far beyond the region. To fly, for example, to Iran or other remote targets, fighter jets critically need aerial refueling. Previously, this role was performed by outdated Re'em Israeli modifications of the Boeing 707, many of which are already over 60 years old. It's like trying to drive a dilapidated truck in a modern race.

The new KC-46A is a breakthrough. It is equipped with state—of-the-art systems, including television cameras for precise docking, anti-interference protection, and the ability to refuel multiple aircraft simultaneously, both with a rod hose and a drip hose.

The entire deal concluded with the US government is estimated at $ 930 million and provides for the supply of up to eight such aircraft. The first machines are already in production, and their appearance will dramatically enhance the strategic mobility of the Israeli Air Force.

Now Israeli pilots will not only be able to "make it out", but they will be able to act confidently and at a great distance. The KC-46A is not just a tanker. It's a combat power booster.

Belgium, France and Britain launched reconnaissance over the Black Sea: AWACS, Raptors and refueling in the sky

 

A large—scale joint air mission recently took place over the Black Sea. Belgium, France and the United Kingdom conducted a reconnaissance patrol together, demonstrating their readiness and coordination in the face of the tense situation in the region. The mission looked like a real aviation parade of power: long-range radar detection aircraft, fighter jets, tankers and special reconnaissance vehicles took to the sky.

At the center of the operation is the French E—3F Sentry AWACS, a radar-mounted aircraft capable of "seeing" hundreds of kilometers around and controlling airspace. Working alongside him was the British RC-135, a legendary reconnaissance aircraft that intercepts radio signals, analyzes electronic emissions, and collects intelligence in real time. These two "heavenly command posts" became the eyes and ears of the mission.

Fighter jets flew under their cover. Belgium deployed two of its F-16s, which covered the scouts and were ready for any eventuality. France did not lag behind: two modern Rafales took to the air, capable of fighting, conducting reconnaissance, and delivering pinpoint strikes.

And so that all these planes could stay in the sky longer, the A330 MRTT, multi—purpose tankers for refueling in the air, joined the case. In total, three such aircraft were involved: two were French, and one was from the multinational MRTT NATO fleet, which this time had a Belgian crew at the helm. This is an important point: it shows how deep the integration between the allied countries is.

Photos and videos from the mission were published by the Belgian Defense Forces and the French Air and Space Forces (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace) on social networks - not just as a report, but as a signal: we are here, we are together, and we are vigilant.

Such missions are part of NATO's efforts to strengthen its air presence over the Black Sea, especially in light of events in Ukraine. They are not aggressive, but they are helpful.: The Allies are monitoring the situation, coordinating actions and demonstrating their ability to react quickly.

France decommissions KC-135 Stratotanker and replaces them with European A330 MRTT refueling aircraft

France has begun decommissioning American KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, replacing them with modern European multifunctional A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) refueling aircraft. This step is aimed at ensuring the independence of the French Air Force in matters of aerial refueling and increasing operational flexibility.

Advantages of replacement:

- Increased payload and range: The A330 MRTT has a larger fuel capacity and can simultaneously perform refueling and transportation tasks.

- Modern technology: European refueling ships are equipped with modern communication, navigation and control systems, which improves compatibility with other NATO platforms.

- Autonomy and strategic independence: abandoning American technology allows France to reduce dependence on foreign supplies and increase control over its own military operations.

The Royal Air Force plans to expand cooperation with civil aviation to enhance air capabilities

The Royal Air Force (RAF) intends to deepen integration with civil aviation service providers, including the use of charter aircraft, to expand its airlift, troop transport and even air refueling capabilities. This recommendation is part of the latest Strategic Defense Review, which reflects growing concern that current military fleets may not be able to meet operational requirements in a crisis or protracted campaign.

The use of civilian charter aircraft will allow the RAF to increase flexibility and responsiveness by providing additional air transport and support, especially in situations where military resources are limited or overwhelmed. This approach can also reduce the burden on military aviation and optimize costs.

The Strategic Review highlights the need to adapt to changing security conditions and long-term operational readiness, where effective air resource management plays a key role. The implementation of joint programs with civil aviation will allow the RAF to maintain a high level of mobility and rapid response.