Air Force weighs rebooting C-17 production amid next-gen airlift and tanker ambitions
The U.S. Air Force is examining the feasibility of restarting C-17 Globemaster III production as part of its plan to replace the C-17 and C-5 with a Next-Generation Airlift (NGAL) in the mid-2040s, while pursuing a family of Advanced Tanker Systems for future aerial refueling. The service is conducting an Analysis of Alternatives, considering costs, survivability, and potential foreign participation, and weighing options such as unmanned or optionally manned tankers alongside ongoing KC-46 upgrades. Competitors like Radia’s Windrunner are being explored, and lawmakers have directed a formal NDAA briefing. In parallel, the Air Force continues to modernize networks and self-protection for current airlift and tanker fleets to maintain readiness amid ongoing operations.