Introduction: In a remarkable demonstration of capabilities, a trio of German Eurofighters took to the skies last year, making a significant mark during the event known as “Pacific Skies.” This mission accomplished an impressive long-duration flight, highlighting the vital role of commercial air refueling in contemporary military operations.
Commercial Air Refueling: A Game Changer The refueling mission was typical in many respects, yet it stood out for one key reason: the refueling support was provided by KC-135 Stratotankers operated by the private aerospace firm Metrea. This underscores the increasing relevance of commercial refueling services in addressing the heightened demands of modern militaries.
The German Air Force, or Luftwaffe, characterized “Pacific Skies” as their largest and most complex deployment to date, asserting their capability to operate globally.
Metrea’s Rapid Growth in Aerospace Founded in 2016, Metrea has quickly established itself as a significant player in the aerospace sector, encompassing diverse areas including air and space, electromagnetic and cyber, as well as digital and synthetic services. Aside from air refueling, they also provide contractor-operated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in remote locations.
With the recent acquisition of 14 KC-135 aircraft from the French Air and Space Forces, Metrea has expanded its tanker fleet to 18, which includes previously obtained tankers from Singapore. Metrea’s growing fleet positions it as the fifth-largest air refueling contingent worldwide, behind only four nation-states.
Addressing Growing Military Needs Jon “Ty” Thomas, head of Metrea’s air and space division, expressed the urgency with which the company intends to utilize its tanker resources, given the increasing global demand for air refueling. Tim Walton, a refueling expert at the Hudson Institute, noted that commercial tankers could effectively supplement military capabilities during peacetime, supporting training and evaluations.
Metrea’s Landmark Engagement with the Luftwaffe Metrea’s association with the Luftwaffe during the Pacific Skies event started at the Royal International Air Tattoo in the UK, where their freshly maintained KC-135 drew attention. This collaboration culminated in a historic refueling operation, facilitating the transportation of German jets from Japan to Hawaii for the significant RIMPAC exercise.
Rory Cattelan, a former KC-135 instructor pilot involved in planning the mission, highlighted the meticulous coordination required to ensure the successful trans-Pacific journey. Metrea successfully offloaded approximately 475,000 pounds of fuel over 25 sorties, demonstrating their ability to handle complex military missions effectively.
Commercial Refueling: A Valid Solution for the Future From the Luftwaffe’s perspective, the experience with Metrea confirmed that commercial air-to-air refueling (AAR) could serve as a viable option for future operations. This realization aligns with their ongoing effort to augment their traditional military capabilities with commercial services, easing procedural burdens through existing contracts.
Future Considerations and Challenges Thomas elaborated on Metrea’s emphasis on providing “effects-as-a-service,” filling operational gaps for military customers whose resources might not always be readily available. However, the company’s capacity could be limited during full-scale conflicts if its personnel are drawn back into military service.
Furthermore, despite potential advantages in some operations, experts remain skeptical about the role of commercial refueling affecting the requirements of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). The minimum number of operational tankers is set by Congress, and while commercial services may alleviate specific pressures, they are unlikely to replace traditional military capabilities entirely.
Conclusion: Adapting to Changing Landscapes As the air refueling landscape evolves, Metrea faces future challenges, particularly as the KC-135 fleet ages and maintenance becomes increasingly complicated. However, the company remains optimistic about navigating these challenges for at least another two decades, adapting its strategies as necessary to maintain relevance and effectiveness in the military aviation sector.
