Article

The U.S. Air Force is developing kinetic self-protection systems for KC-135 and KC-46 tankers to defend against missile threats. The initiative aims to enhance survivability against advanced adversary missiles, with the goal of deploying solutions in a two-to-three-year timeline.

The focus is on integrating missile defense systems that can operate independently of missile guidance types, complementing existing soft-kill measures. The operational context involves increased risks from modern air defense systems and long-range missiles, necessitating a shift in tanker survivability strategies.