USAF Assessing Feasibility Of Restarting C-17 Production As Part Of Its Future Airlift Vision

Key Points:

• The U.S. Air Force is reassessing the feasibility of restarting production of the C-17 Globemaster III as part of its next-generation airlift plans, with an Analysis of Alternatives underway to explore options for replacing both the C-17A and C-5M Galaxy starting in the mid-2040s.
• The Air Force is also investigating a range of next-generation aerial refueling concepts under the Advanced Tanker Systems (ATS) program, including stealthy and optionally manned or autonomous tankers, but a definitive path forward has not yet been established.
• Lt. Gen. Daniel Tulley highlighted challenges related to restarting C-17 production, such as the availability of manufacturing equipment and cost-effectiveness compared to developing new technologies that enhance connectivity, self-defense, and networking capabilities.
• The Air Force continues to expand its KC-46A tanker fleet despite ongoing technical issues and is focused on upgrading existing airlift and tanker aircraft with improved network connectivity and self-protection systems to meet high operational demand, especially amid tensions with Iran.
• Industry players like Boeing and Radia are proposing new aircraft concepts for future airlift and tanker roles, while the Air Force is considering a broad range of solutions including collaborative drones and layered defense systems to ensure survivability and operational access.