air refueling – The Defense Post

Apr- 2026 -

27 April

Air

China Explores Mid-Flight Drone Recharging Using Microwave Beams

A new experiment in China showed drones could one day be recharged mid-air using microwave energy transmitted from the ground.

Mar- 2026 -

27 March

Asia Pacific

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

China Introduces AI System to Supercharge Aerial Refueling Ops

China’s military is upgrading its aerial refueling operations with a new AI-powered task assignment system designed to improve coordination between tankers and fighter aircraft.

Jun- 2025 -

26 June

Air

A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. Photo: Airbus

Rojoef Manuel

NATO Buys More Airbus A330s as Sweden, Denmark Join Aircraft Program

Airbus has secured a contract to supply two additional A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft for NATO.

Apr- 2025 -

3 April

Air

Inder Singh Bisht

India Leases Tankers as Stop-Gap Solution for Air Refueling Issue

The Indian Air Force has leased a KC135 air refueler from US-based Metrea amid serviceability issues with its Russian-origin Ilyushin Il-78MKI tanker fleet.