Aerial Refuelling Systems Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global aerial refuelling systems market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.50% in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain USD 892.05 Million by 2034.

North America to Propel the Market Growth of Aerial Refuelling Systems

Tanker aircraft demand is expected to rise in tandem with increasing defence budgets in emerging economies, consequently boosting industry sales. With the number of sorties away from ground bases, refuelling has become a critical mission component. The AAR will help deploy to another country on short notice. The aerial refuelling systems industry is predicted to expand as more reliable approaches for increasing aircraft endurance and range are adopted. Aerial refuelling tankers are being upgraded to improve their airspeed, altitude, and range. Industry leaders are working to improve severe-environment suitability, lower lifecycle costs, autonomous service, and roll-on/roll-off capability. Due to the existence of the main refuelling fleets, North America accounted for a significant market share in 2019. About 400 KC-135s and 55 big KC-10s are in the US fleet. The US Air Force and Marine Corps are modernising their fleets in order to maintain their aerial dominance, which would have a positive effect on regional business growth. Furthermore, to improve refuelling capabilities, the area is witnessing the replacement of old refuelling tankers with more versatile ones. This is expected to boost the market growth of aerial refuelling systems.

Aerial Refuelling Systems: Market Segmentation

The method of switching aviation fuel from one military aircraft (the tanker) to another (the receiver) during flight is known as aerial refuelling, also known as air refuelling, in-flight refuelling (IFR), air-to-air refuelling (AAR), and tanking.

The market is bifurcated in terms of type into:

• Manned
• Unmanned

The market is divided on the basis of systems into:

• Probe and Drogue
• Flying Boom
• Autonomous
• Others

In terms of component, the market is categorised into:

• Refuelling Pods
• Refuelling Probes
• Drogues
• Hoses
• Boom
• Others

The market is segmented by application into:

• Military Aircraft
• Helicopters
• Commercial Aircraft
• UAV
• Others

By distribution channels, the market is bifurcated into:

• OEM
• Aftermarket

Based on region, the market can be divided into:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Increased Investments in R&D to Aid the Market Growth of Aerial Refuelling Systems

Air-to-air refuelling is becoming more common as it allows planes to take off with less weight. Guns, freight, and staff are all carried on defence aircraft, and if the plane is fully loaded, it may be difficult for it to take off. Air-to-air refuelling allows aircraft to be topped off for long-distance flights as well as loitering. This trend is propelling the aerial refuelling industry forward. Furthermore, inflight refuelling, also known as air-to-air refuelling, has been proposed as a way to reduce fuel usage on long-distance flights. Gas charges will be reduced as a result of the reduced fuel consumption, which will benefit both the airlines and the air forces financially. The demand for aerial refuelling is set to be fuelled by air-to-air refuelling. Furthermore, leading players' increased research and development is driving market growth, and this trend is projected to continue in the forecast period. The military industry and commercial airlines are the end users of the aerial refuelling industry. The air force of all major defence forces around the world uses aerial refuelling extensively because it allows fighter/combat aircraft to take off with less fuel and more payload. During long-haul operations, the commercial carrier uses aerial refuelling services, thereby aiding the market growth.

Key Industry Players in the Global Aerial Refuelling Systems Market

The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global aerial refuelling systems market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds:

• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Cobham Mission Systems Wimborne Limited
• Eaton Corporation plc
• Safran Aerosystems
• Others

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis.