The countries moved ahead with the second phase on 8 October 2026. Spain leads the work with German support, while Belgium joins a programme originally launched by Spain and Germany in 2022.
The first phase established the technical feasibility of automated hose-and-drogue refuelling using piloted aircraft. Tests involved an Airbus A330 MRTT tanker, a German Tornado and a Spanish F-18.
Researchers developed camera-based tracking of the drogue and receiver aircraft. They also tested ways to stabilise the drogue during flight.
The next phase addresses the technical gaps involved in refuelling unmanned receivers. The project’s eventual goal is refuelling between unmanned aircraft.
Research will cover relative navigation, which measures an aircraft’s position and movement in relation to another aircraft. It will also examine image sensors, communications links and the computing hardware needed to process data and run tracking algorithms.
Work will start with simulations involving multiple receivers. Laboratory tests will then use robotic arms to reproduce movement between the hose and receiver.
Ground and flight trials will collect further data from both aircraft. An Airbus Spain A330 MRTT will serve as tanker, with an experimental aircraft owned by the German Aerospace Center, DLR, acting as receiver.
The consortium includes Airbus Defence and Space and GMV in Spain, and Airbus Defence and Space, DLR and AES Technology in Germany. Belgium’s participants are ScioTeq and the Von Karman Institute.
Spain identifies aerial refuelling as a priority in its 2026 Defence Technology and Innovation Strategy. It intends the research to advance the maturity of automated hose-and-drogue technology.
EDA will act as contracting authority, coordinate the multinational effort and support agreement on technical requirements and risk management. The project is intended to develop European autonomous refuelling technology and improve interoperability among European and NATO air forces.
Source: European Defence Agency (press release).
