US Air Force Tanker Fleets Miss Readiness Goals, GAO Report Finds
A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicates that the US Air Force's aerial refueling tanker fleets, including both the aging KC-135 Stratotanker and newer KC-46A Pegasus, have consistently fallen short of readiness goals since fiscal year 2019. The watchdog identified issues such as critical parts shortages, maintenance staffing gaps, and infrastructure limitations. Despite recognizing these sustainment risks, the Air Force has not developed a comprehensive plan to mitigate them, raising concerns about a vital component of US airpower.
The US Air Force's aerial refueling tanker fleets have failed to meet availability and mission-capable standards every year since fiscal year 2019, according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The GAO report highlighted that both the venerable KC-135 Stratotanker and the more modern KC-46A Pegasus fleets did not achieve their readiness targets. Key problems identified include shortages of critical repair parts, insufficient personnel for aircraft maintenance, and limitations in infrastructure.
While the Air Force has acknowledged these "sustainment risks" and taken some initial steps, the GAO report stated that the service has not conducted a comprehensive assessment of these risks or formulated a clear plan for their mitigation. Specific annual availability and mission-capable rates for the tankers were deemed too sensitive for public release by the Pentagon.
Aerial refueling tankers are crucial for extending the operational range of military aircraft such as fighter jets and bombers, effectively serving as airborne fuel stations. The demand for aerial refueling has increased during recent major combat operations.
The report also noted a potential discrepancy in how "mission capable" is defined. A tanker can be counted as mission capable if it can perform at least one assigned mission, which does not necessarily mean it is ready to refuel other aircraft.
The KC-135 fleet, which entered service in the 1950s, is experiencing new issues as it ages. The newer KC-46A, conversely, has been plagued by years of production delays and operational challenges. These issues include problems with its refueling boom, which is responsible for fuel transfer, and its remote vision system.
Earlier this year, Air Force officials cited "critical deficiencies" in KC-46A systems and raised concerns about manufacturer Boeing's quality control procedures. These problems encompass frequently failing electrical components on the boom, inaccurate sensors, airframe cracks, and other structural issues.
According to Business Insider, the report underscores ongoing readiness problems compounded by incomplete data collection by the Air Force.
