Lockheed Martin has announced its withdrawal from the forthcoming U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft construction competition. The company had previously entered the competition in September 2021 in collaboration with Airbus, proposing their LMXT variant, which is a modified version of Airbus's Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) based on the A330 aircraft, originally manufactured in France and Spain.
"Lockheed Martin has decided not to respond to the Request for Information (RFI) for the recapitalization of the U.S. Air Force's KC-135 fleet. We are transitioning the LMXT team and resources from Lockheed Martin to new opportunities and priority programs within Lockheed Martin, including the development of air refueling solutions in support of the U.S. Air Force's Next-Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) initiative. We remain committed to the accelerated delivery of advanced capabilities that enhance the U.S. Air Force's air refueling missions," the company stated.
In early February 2022, Lockheed Martin's top management revealed plans for the production of their forthcoming LMXT strategic tanker aircraft. This manufacturing initiative is set to take place in Mobile, Alabama, and Marietta, Georgia. The LMXT was initially introduced as Lockheed Martin's proposal for the U.S. Air Force's KC-Y "Bridge Tanker" program, starting in September 2021.
The LMXT marks the most recent development in Lockheed Martin's extensive legacy spanning over 60 years in the production and supply of tanker and large aircraft. These aircraft have been pivotal for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and have been used by numerous operators across the globe.
Drawing from the battle-tested blueprint of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), the LMXT capitalizes on the established performance and capabilities of this strategic tanker aircraft. This particular model has been selected by 14 nations for the purpose of refueling various aircraft, including combat, transport, and maritime patrol planes, both for the U.S. and allied nations.
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