Poland Eyes Transport Aircraft with Air Refueling Capabilities

Poland wants to acquire air refueling and transport aircraft to strengthen its air force, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said at the "Future of the Polish Air Force" conference in Warsaw on March 20.

Speaking at the event organized by Portal Obronny, Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the need for greater air superiority, transport, and refueling capabilities, calling the absence of such assets a long-standing gap in Poland’s defense posture. He expressed strong support for reviving efforts to acquire a combined transport and aerial refueling platform, a project abandoned years ago.

“I am a great advocate of Poland acquiring combined transport and air refueling capabilities. This project was abandoned many years ago, unfortunately, the Polish Army and Air Force have not acquired these capabilities to this day,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted Poland's broader defense modernization, including F-35 fighters, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and Abrams tanks. He stressed that enhancing air force capabilities must align with NATO's eastern flank reinforcement efforts, particularly in southeastern Poland, where additional military airfields may be required.

The discussion also touched on the urgent need for pilot training, with Kosiniak-Kamysz noting that new acquisitions—such as the Apache helicopters—will increase demand for trained personnel. Dęblin Air Base remains a key training hub, but he suggested reforms may be necessary to keep pace with growing needs.

The conference also addressed the role of satellites, aerostats, and drones in air force operations, alongside discussions on Ukraine’s future and NATO’s strategic priorities.

Possible competitors:

If Poland proceeds with the procurement, potential competitors include the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, Airbus A330 MRTT, Airbus A400M Atlas, Embraer C-390, and Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Hercules.

The KC-46 Pegasus is a multi-role aerial refueling aircraft with a 96,300 kg fuel capacity, 11,800 km range, and 29,500 kg cargo capacity. It has both boom and hose-and-drogue refueling systems and costs about $250 million.

The A330 MRTT offers 111,000 kg fuel capacity, 14,800 km range, and 45,000 kg cargo capacity. Like the KC-46, it supports both refueling systems, with a unit cost of $250–300 million.

The KC-130J Super Hercules is a tactical refueler with a 27,200 kg fuel capacity, 3,800 km range, and 19,000 kg cargo capacity. It uses only a probe-and-drogue system and costs about $90 million.

The A400M Atlas serves as both a transport and refueling aircraft, with a 50,800 kg fuel capacity, 8,900 km range, and 37,000 kg cargo capacity. It lacks a boom system and costs $180–200 million.

The C-390 Millennium is a smaller multi-role tanker with a 23,000 kg fuel capacity, 8,500 km range, and 26,000 kg cargo capacity. It also uses a probe-and-drogue system and costs $85–120 million.