The global aerial refueling systems market size was valued at USD 630.5 million in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 801.8 million by 2034, witnessing a market growth CAGR of 2.2% from 2025 to 2034, according to an analysis by Stratview Research.
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Market Statistics:
Market Size in 2024: USD 630.5 million
Market Size in 2025: USD 658.6 million
Market Size in 2034: USD 801.8 million
Growth (CAGR): 2.2% during 2025-2034
Cumulative Sales Opportunity 2025 to 2034: USD 7305.9 million
Leading Aircraft Type: Combat aircraft
Leading System Type: Hose & Drogue
Leading Component Type: Refueling pods
Leading End-User Type: OE
Leading Region: North America
Forecast Period: 2025-2034
Trend Period: 2019-2023
Base Year: 2024
Number of Segments Covered: 5
Number of Tables & Graphs: 100+
Country-Level Market Assessment: 20
Segment Insights & Market Share Analysis of the Aerial Refueling Systems Market:
The global aerial refueling systems market is segmented based on aircraft type, system type, component type, end-user type and region.
Based on Aircraft type –
- The market is segmented based on the aircraft type as combat aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The increasing demand for combat aircraft, driven by rising tensions and a large aging fleet of combat aircraft, as well as a growing need for multiple tanker aircraft for refueling, are major factors that are propelling the demand for refueling systems in the segment.
- The increasing frequency of long-range missions, multinational joint exercises, and the need for force projection in contested regions have made in-flight refueling a strategic necessity for air forces worldwide. The UAV segment is likely to witness the second-highest growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing production of long-range UAVs.
Based on System type –
- Based on the system type, the market is segmented into hose & drogue and boom & receptacle. Hose & Drogue are expected to remain the larger and faster-growing system type in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034, driven by low cost and ease in refueling.
- All the major tanker aircraft are increasingly opting for the hose & drogue system. KC-46 tanker aircraft of Boeing, the most talked-about tanker aircraft, are equipped with a permanent centerline drogue system and removable wing air refueling pods.
Based on the Component type –
- Refueling Pods (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Refueling Probes (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Drogues (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Hoses (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Boom (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Other Components (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Based on the End-User type –
- OE (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
- Aftermarket (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
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Which Region Shows the Most Promising Growth Forecast and Opportunity?
“North America is expected to remain the largest region, whereas Asia-Pacific is projected to experience the fastest-growing region over the next nine years."
- In terms of region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The USA is likely to remain the growth engine of the North American market, propelled by a high defense budget, large tanker aircraft fleet (KC-135), and the expected replacement of the old aircraft fleet with new KC-46 tanker aircraft in the coming years.
- North America is home to key defense contractors such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, which are deeply involved in the development and modernization of aerial refueling platforms.
- Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the highest growth in the aerial refueling systems market, driven by rising defense budgets in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The region is seeing increased procurement of advanced combat aircraft and tanker fleets to enhance operational range and readiness.
- Geopolitical tensions, along with territorial disputes, are prompting military modernization. Indigenous development efforts and strategic partnerships with global allies are also boosting the integration of advanced refueling technologies, making the Asia-Pacific a key driver of market growth.
Aerial Refueling Systems Market Drivers:
Some of the key drivers listed in the report are given below
- Increasing demand for tanker aircraft, owing to rising defense budgets in the developing economies and expected replacement of the old tanker aircraft fleet of KC-135 in the USA, the emergence of multirole aircraft tankers, increasing demand for long-range military jets for special-purpose missions, and rising tanker fleet size are the major growth drivers for the aerial refueling systems market.
- The USA, the largest market for the defense industry, has a large aging tanker fleet that needs replacement with the latest tanker aircraft. As of April 2025, Boeing has delivered 89 KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers to the U.S. Air Force, and it will eventually replace 470 KC-135 tanker aircraft with KC-46 aircraft.
- In November 2024, the US Air Force gave Boeing a contract of about US$2.38 billion for 15 additional KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft under the Lot 11 procurement, so it now has 168 KC-46A tankers on contract globally. (Currently, the US Air Force has grounded its KC-46 fleet (delivered by Boeing) due to cracks found in two of four new aircraft)
Competitive Landscape: Top Companies in the Aerial Refueling Systems Market:
Most of the major players compete in some of the factors, including price, service offerings, regional presence, etc. The following are the key players in the aerial refueling systems market -
Here is the list of the Top Players (Based on Dominance)
- Eaton Corporation
- Safran S.A.
- GE Aerospace
- Northstar Engineering Group
- Marshall
Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.
What Unique Insights Does This Report Offer?
This report provides comprehensive insights into the market, answering critical questions like
- How big is the sales opportunity?
- Which regions offer the best sales opportunities?
- Which are the most attractive market segments?
- Which are the top players and their market positioning?
- How complex is the business environment?
- What are the factors affecting the market?
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