Airbus and Lockheed Martin Team To Pursue U.S. Tanker Opportunities | Aviation International News

Airbus and Lockheed Martin Team To Pursue U.S. Tanker Opportunities

Seven years after losing the re-competed KC-X program to Boeing, Airbus has returned to the U.S. tanker marketplace in a partnership with Lockheed Martin.

Michele Evans, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and Fernando Alonso, head of military aircraft at Airbus Defence and Space, shake hands on the new agreement on the flight deck of an A330 MRTT. (Photo: Airbus)

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

December 5, 2018

On December 4 aerospace giants Airbus and Lockheed Martin signed an agreement to jointly explore a range of opportunities in the U.S. in the growing aerial refueling arena. Potential activities range from short-term service provision to the development of new-generation tankers to meet future defense needs.

“Reliable and modernized aerial refueling is an essential capability for our customers to maintain their global reach and strategic advantage,” said Marilyn Hewson, chairman, president, and CEO of Lockheed Martin. “By combining the innovation and expertise of Airbus and Lockheed Martin, we will be well positioned to provide the United States Air Force and allies around the world with the advanced refueling solutions needed to meet 21st-century security challenges.”

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