The race to secure the contract for USAF’s new aerial refueler, dubbed KC-X, is really in full swing now, with an April 11 announcement from Boeing that it submitted its proposal to the Air Force on Tuesday, as well. (See above.) James Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, claims the Boeing entrant, a KC-767, “will do for refueling what the C-17 has done for airlift—it will revolutionize mobility operations.” The company statement says the 7,000-page KC-X proposal describes a tanker uniquely designed for its primary air refueling mission, but also capable of moving cargo, passengers, patients, and medical crewmembers.” Boeing also touts that its KC-767 will “save taxpayers nearly $10 billion in fuel costs compared to the competitor.”
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.