Global Tanker Aircraft Market Growth 2025-2031

The global Tanker Aircraft market size is predicted to grow from US$ million in 2025 to US$ million in 2031; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of %from 2025 to 2031.

A tanker aircraft, also known as an aerial tanker or air-to-air refueling aircraft, is a type of military aircraft specifically designed to provide in-flight refueling (IFR) services to other aircraft. These tanker aircraft are equipped with specialized fuel transfer systems, typically including a boom or hose and drogue system, which allow for the transfer of fuel from the tanker to receiver aircraft while both are in flight. This capability greatly extends the operational range and endurance of the receiver aircraft, allowing them to stay airborne for longer periods of time or reach destinations that would otherwise be beyond their fuel capacity. Tanker aircraft play a crucial role in military operations, as they enable strategic and tactical mobility, air superiority, and global reach for military forces around the world.

The tanker aircraft market refers to the industry that manufactures and supplies aircraft specifically designed for aerial refueling operations. These aircraft are used by military forces around the world to extend the range and endurance of their fighter jets and other aircraft by allowing them to refuel in mid-air.

The market for tanker aircraft is primarily driven by the need to enhance the capabilities of air forces and maintain a high level of strategic and tactical flexibility. Aerial refueling allows fighter jets to stay airborne longer, cover larger distances, and conduct missions that would otherwise be beyond their reach.

The main players in the tanker aircraft market include major defense contractors such as Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin. These companies design, develop, and manufacture tanker aircraft to meet the specific requirements of different countries" armed forces. They often modify existing commercial aircraft models to serve as tanker aircraft, such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330.

The tanker aircraft market has experienced significant growth in recent years, as countries modernize their military capabilities and seek to enhance their aerial refueling capabilities. In addition to the primary function of aerial refueling, tanker aircraft are also used for transporting passengers and cargo, as well as conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

The market for tanker aircraft is likely to continue growing in the coming years, driven by ongoing military modernization programs and the need for air forces to maintain a global reach and operational flexibility. Furthermore, the increasing demand for air-to-air refueling capabilities in emerging economies and regions with evolving security challenges is expected to further drive the tanker aircraft market"s growth.

LP Information, Inc. (LPI) ' newest research report, the “Tanker Aircraft Industry Forecast” looks at past sales and reviews total world Tanker Aircraft sales in 2024, providing a comprehensive analysis by region and market sector of projected Tanker Aircraft sales for 2025 through 2031. With Tanker Aircraft sales broken down by region, market sector and sub-sector, this report provides a detailed analysis in US$ millions of the world Tanker Aircraft industry.

This Insight Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Tanker Aircraft landscape and highlights key trends related to product segmentation, company formation, revenue, and market share, latest development, and M&A activity. This report also analyzes the strategies of leading global companies with a focus on Tanker Aircraft portfolios and capabilities, market entry strategies, market positions, and geographic footprints, to better understand these firms’ unique position in an accelerating global Tanker Aircraft market.

This Insight Report evaluates the key market trends, drivers, and affecting factors shaping the global outlook for Tanker Aircraft and breaks down the forecast by Type, by Application, geography, and market size to highlight emerging pockets of opportunity. With a transparent methodology based on hundreds of bottom-up qualitative and quantitative market inputs, this study forecast offers a highly nuanced view of the current state and future trajectory in the global Tanker Aircraft.

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Tanker Aircraft market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.

Segmentation by Type:
Fixed Wing Tanker Aircraft
Rotary Wing Tanker Aircraft

Segmentation by Application:
Military
Commercial

This report also splits the market by region:
Americas
United States
Canada
Mexico
Brazil
APAC
China
Japan
Korea
Southeast Asia
India
Australia
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Russia
Middle East & Africa
Egypt
South Africa
Israel
Turkey
GCC Countries

The below companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analysing the company's coverage, product portfolio, its market penetration.
Boeing
BAE Systems PLC
Airbus
Cobham Plc
Lockheed Martin Corporation
United Aircraft Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd

Key Questions Addressed in this Report

What is the 10-year outlook for the global Tanker Aircraft market?

What factors are driving Tanker Aircraft market growth, globally and by region?

Which technologies are poised for the fastest growth by market and region?

How do Tanker Aircraft market opportunities vary by end market size?

How does Tanker Aircraft break out by Type, by Application?

Please note: The report will take approximately 2 business days to prepare and deliver.