What You Need to Know: Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works has revealed concept imagery for the KC-Z, a next-generation stealth aerial refueling tanker that may be piloted or unmanned. The KC-Z aims to support stealth aircraft such as the F-35, with anticipated readiness in the 2030s to 2040s.

-This tanker is part of a broader modernization initiative that includes the Air Force’s NGAD sixth-generation fighter and B-21 Raider bomber, as well as the Navy's F/A-XX program.

-Emphasizing stealth in refueling capabilities enhances operational flexibility in expansive theaters like the Indo-Pacific, ensuring the U.S. maintains aerial dominance in future near-peer conflicts.

Lockheed Martin has revealed concept work on its new stealth aerial refueling tanker.

Released by Lockheed Martin’s legendary Skunk Works, the notional depiction of the aircraft shows a cutting-edge tanker that will operate alongside other stealth aircraft.

In the new notional vision for a stealthy pilot-optional aerial refueling tanker, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works showed the KC-Z refueling........

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