Global Air-to-Air Refueling Market Size Study & Forecast, by System, Component, Aircraft Type, Type, End User, and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

Global Air-to-Air Refueling Market is valued approximately at USD 0.75 billion in 2024 and is expected to expand with a robust CAGR of 10.00% over the forecast period 2025-2035. Air-to-air refueling, the critical process of transferring aviation fuel from one aircraft to another mid-flight, has transformed aerial operations by exponentially increasing range, mission duration, and strategic reach. As global air forces recalibrate toward multi-domain operations and power projection across continents, the need for efficient and interoperable refueling systems has seen a significant upswing. The market is primarily driven by the rising deployment of fighter aircraft and force multipliers, integration of next-gen combat platforms, and increasing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with extended operational autonomy.

With the surge in regional conflicts and high-tempo military exercises, defense ministries across the globe are initiating procurement programs for modern refueling platforms equipped with boom and probe-and-drogue systems, enhancing fleet readiness and mission efficiency. Moreover, ongoing innovation in autonomous refueling technologies is revolutionizing operational paradigms—particularly in enabling UAVs to engage in long-endurance ISR and combat support missions. However, budget constraints in emerging economies, high system integration costs, and the complex interoperability issues across allied platforms continue to present roadblocks to broader adoption. Simultaneously, the industry is navigating challenges associated with high-altitude turbulence control, fuel spillage mitigation, and standardization of multi-aircraft compatibility.

From a regional standpoint, North America currently holds the lion’s share of the market due to strong defense expenditure, mature aerial tanker fleets, and the presence of industry giants like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. The U.S. Air Force’s investment in KC-46 Pegasus and future aerial refueling platforms further fortifies the region’s dominance. Meanwhile, Europe is poised for steady expansion backed by initiatives such as the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) and NATO collaborations. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is projected to emerge as the fastest-growing region, propelled by geopolitical tensions, modernization of air forces in China and India, and indigenous developments in aerial refueling capabilities supported by defense-industrial self-reliance policies.

Major market player included in this report are:
• Airbus SE
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Boeing Company
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Cobham Mission Systems
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
• Draken International
• GE Aviation
• Eaton Corporation
• Dassault Aviation
• Parker Hannifin Corporation
• Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group
• Safran S.A.
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries
• Leonardo S.p.A.

Global Air-to-Air Refueling Market Report Scope:
• Historical Data – 2023, 2024
• Base Year for Estimation – 2024
• Forecast period – 2025-2035
• Report Coverage – Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
• Regional Scope – North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values for the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within the countries involved in the study. The report also provides detailed information about crucial aspects, such as driving factors and challenges, which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it incorporates potential opportunities in micro-markets for stakeholders to invest, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and product offerings of key players.

The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:

By System:
• Probe & Drogue
• Boom Refueling
• Autonomous

By Component:
• Pumps
• Valves
• Hoses
• Boom
• Probes
• Fuel Tanks
• Pods

By Aircraft Type:
• Fixed
• Rotary

By Type:
• Manned
• Unmanned

By End User:
• Military
• Commercial

By Region:

North America
• U.S.
• Canada

Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico

Middle East & Africa
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Key Takeaways:
• Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
• Annualized revenues and regional level analysis for each market segment.
• Detailed analysis of geographical landscape with Country level analysis of major regions.
• Competitive landscape with information on major players in the market.
• Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
• Analysis of competitive structure of the market.
• Demand side and supply side analysis of the market.

Please note:The single user license is non-downloadable and non-printable. Global Site license allows these actions.