The US Air Force wants to launch up to 100 drones from KC-135 aerial refuelling tankers for reconnaissance, pilot rescue and luring out air defence missiles

The US Department of Defence is paying a lot of attention to the unmanned component of the air force. The service is considering different options for the use of UAVs. One of them involves KC-135 aerial refuellers.

Here's What We Know

The US Air Force wants to launch unmanned aerial vehicles from KC-135 aircraft. This form of aerial refuelling application first became known back in February 2023 in a letter from General Mike Minihan, head of Air Mobility Command.

Potentially, each aerial refuelling vehicle could carry up to 100 drones on board. The UAVs will be used for reconnaissance and to lure out enemy air defence missiles. Also, one of the uses of the drones is to deliver radios or life jackets to pilots who have been hit.

In addition, the U.S. Air Force will use drones as communication relays and for data sharing. This is an important option given the increased suppression capabilities of China and Russia, which are considered potential adversaries of the US.

Source: The War Zone