Nov2023: no Lockheed Airbus 330 tankers for the USAF to replace KC135s...

[Stratofreighter]

...see
https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing ... 96.article
/
https://www.flyingmag.com/lockheed-mart ... mpetition/

Lockheed Martin is bowing out of competing for the U.S. Air Force’s “bridge tanker” program
and instead focusing on developing a next generation air-refueling system (NGAS) concept,
the company announced Monday.

The manufacturer’s LMXT strategic aerial refueling tanker,
unveiled in 2021 and based on an Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport,
had been expected to take on Boeing KC-46 Pegasus as a stopgap refueling option for the Air Force
in seeking an update for its aging KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.

“Lockheed Martin has decided
not to respond to the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 fleet recapitalization request for information (RFI),” the company said in a statement Monday.

[SquAdmin]

I've read that Airbus considers going at it alone now, so there is still a possibility that the USAF will operate KC-330's in the future (although I have to admit that it's not very likely anymore).