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

PUBLISHED: June 30, 2025

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Description

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
Customization Scope - Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts' working hours) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope*

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.

Chapter 1. Global Air-to-Air Refueling Market Report Scope & Methodology

1.1. Research Objective
1.2. Research Methodology
- 1.2.1. Forecast Model
- 1.2.2. Desk Research
- 1.2.3. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach
1.3. Research Attributes
1.4. Scope of the Study
- 1.4.1. Market Definition
- 1.4.2. Market Segmentation
1.5. Research Assumption
- 1.5.1. Inclusion & Exclusion
- 1.5.2. Limitations
- 1.5.3. Years Considered for the Study

Chapter 2. Executive Summary

2.1. CEO/CXO Standpoint
2.2. Strategic Insights
2.3. ESG Analysis
2.4. Key Findings

Chapter 3. Global Air-to-Air Refueling Market Forces Analysis

3.1. Market Forces Shaping the Global Air-to-Air Refueling Market 2024-2035
3.2. Drivers
- 3.2.1. Extended Mission Endurance & Strategic Reach
- 3.2.2. Integration of Next-Gen Combat & UAV Platforms
3.3. Restraints
- 3.3.1. High System Integration & Acquisition Costs
- 3.3.2. Interoperability Challenges Across Allied Fleets
3.4. Opportunities
- 3.4.1. Autonomous Refueling Technology Adoption
- 3.4.2. Rapid UAV Fleet Expansion

Chapter 4. Global Air-to-Air Refueling Industry Analysis

4.1. Porter's Five Forces Model
- 4.1.1. Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.1.2. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.1.3. Threat of New Entrants
- 4.1.4. Threat of Substitutes
- 4.1.5. Competitive Rivalry
4.2. Porter's Five Forces Forecast Model 2024-2035
4.3. PESTEL Analysis
- 4.3.1. Political
- 4.3.2. Economic
- 4.3.3. Social
- 4.3.4. Technological
- 4.3.5. Environmental
- 4.3.6. Legal
4.4. Top Investment Opportunities
4.5. Top Winning Strategies 2025
4.6. Market Share Analysis 2024-2025
4.7. Global Pricing Analysis and Trends 2025
4.8. Analyst Recommendation & Conclusion

Chapter 5. Global Air-to-Air Refueling Market Size & Forecasts by System 2025-2035

5.1. Market Overview
5.2. Probe & Drogue
- 5.2.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.2.2. Regional Market Size Analysis, 2025-2035
5.3. Boom Refueling
- 5.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.3.2. Regional Market Size Analysis, 2025-2035
5.4. Autonomous
- 5.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.4.2. Regional Market Size Analysis, 2025-2035

Chapter 6. Global Air-to-Air Refueling Market Size & Forecasts by Component 2025-2035

6.1. Market Overview
6.2. Pumps
- 6.2.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.2.2. Regional Market Size Analysis, 2025-2035
6.3. Valves
- 6.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.3.2. Regional Market Size Analysis, 2025-2035
6.4. Hoses, Booms, Probes, Fuel Tanks & Pods
- 6.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.4.2. Regional Market Size Analysis, 2025-2035

Chapter 7. Global Air-to-Air Refueling Market Size & Forecasts by Region 2025-2035

7.1. Regional Market Snapshot
7.2. Top Leading & Emerging Countries
7.3. North America
- 7.3.1. U.S.
  - 7.3.1.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.3.1.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.3.2. Canada
  - 7.3.2.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.3.2.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
7.4. Europe
- 7.4.1. UK
  - 7.4.1.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.1.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.2. Germany
  - 7.4.2.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.2.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.3. France
  - 7.4.3.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.3.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.4. Spain
  - 7.4.4.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.4.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.5. Italy
  - 7.4.5.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.5.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.6. Rest of Europe
  - 7.4.6.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.6.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
7.5. Asia Pacific
- 7.5.1. China
  - 7.5.1.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.1.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.2. India
  - 7.5.2.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.2.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.3. Japan
  - 7.5.3.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.3.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.4. Australia
  - 7.5.4.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.4.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.5. South Korea
  - 7.5.5.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.5.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.6. Rest of Asia Pacific
  - 7.5.6.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.6.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
7.6. Latin America
- 7.6.1. Brazil
  - 7.6.1.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.6.1.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.6.2. Mexico
  - 7.6.2.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.6.2.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
7.7. Middle East & Africa
- 7.7.1. UAE
  - 7.7.1.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.7.1.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.7.2. Saudi Arabia
  - 7.7.2.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.7.2.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.7.3. South Africa
  - 7.7.3.1. System Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.7.3.2. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035

Chapter 8. Competitive Intelligence

8.1. Top Market Strategies
8.2. Airbus SE
- 8.2.1. Company Overview
- 8.2.2. Key Executives
- 8.2.3. Company Snapshot
- 8.2.4. Financial Performance (Subject to Data Availability)
- 8.2.5. Product/Services Portfolio
- 8.2.6. Recent Development
- 8.2.7. Market Strategies
- 8.2.8. SWOT Analysis
8.3. Lockheed Martin Corporation
8.4. Boeing Company
8.5. Northrop Grumman Corporation
8.6. Cobham Mission Systems
8.7. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
8.8. Draken International
8.9. GE Aviation
8.10. Eaton Corporation
8.11. Dassault Aviation
8.12. Parker Hannifin Corporation
8.13. Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group
8.14. Safran S.A.
8.15. Kawasaki Heavy Industries
8.16. Leonardo S.p.A.