Three European Countries Develop Drones Capable of Mid-air Refuelling, Extending Combat Range
JAKARTA — Spain, Germany and Belgium are accelerating development of an in-flight refuelling technology for unmanned aircraft that could extend the operational range of European military drones. Through a joint European Defence Agency (EDA) project, the three countries aim to create a system that would allow several drones to receive fuel automatically from a tanker aircraft without returning to base.
The EDA announced on 9 October 2026 that the three countries had agreed the previous day to take the project into its second phase. The new development stage is expected to require €8 million (Rp162.14 billion) and aims to overcome the technological obstacles to automatic refuelling of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The initiative comes as European countries increasingly rely on unmanned systems to strengthen reconnaissance, surveillance and long-range military operations. If made operational, in-flight refuelling could allow drones to remain airborne for longer and expand the areas in which they can operate without landing to refuel.
The announcement does not mean that European combat drones have already successfully refuelled automatically in the air. The EDA describes the second phase as research, development and testing intended to pave the way for future refuelling between unmanned aircraft.
Spain leads as Germany and Belgium expand development
The three-country collaboration builds on a project first launched by Spain and Germany in December 2022. At the time, the EDA began research into automated refuelling using a hose-and-drogue system, in which fuel is delivered through a flexible hose fitted with a basket-shaped device at its end.
The first phase had a budget of €4 million and was initially planned to run for two years. The research involved defence companies and research institutions from Spain and Germany, working on tracking technology, control systems and automation of the refuelling process.
The initial research laid the groundwork for expanding the programme. Belgium joined for the second phase, bringing the project to three European countries, with the EDA providing coordination.
The EDA said Spain would continue to lead the project, Germany would maintain its technological support, and Belgium would increase industry and research participation. The division of responsibilities is intended to advance the technology’s maturity and strengthen Europe’s defence industry capabilities.
The second-phase consortium includes Airbus Defence and Space and GMV from Spain. German participants include Airbus Defence and Space, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and AES Technology.
Belgium is participating through the company ScioTeq and the Von Karman Institute. The involvement of these organisations reflects the need to combine expertise in aircraft, sensors, communications, software and aeronautical research.
For Spain, developing the technology also aligns with its national defence agenda. The EDA said Spain’s 2026 Defence Technology and Innovation Strategy identifies in-flight refuelling as a priority area.
The EDA is acting as the contracting authority, supporting coordination between countries, the definition of technical requirements and project risk management. It has not announced any decision to procure a drone fleet or the value of any aircraft purchase contract under the programme.
Building on trials involving German Tornados and Spanish F-18s
The latest development builds on research and testing carried out during the first phase. The EDA said the earlier work demonstrated that automating several in-flight refuelling functions was technically feasible.
The first-phase trials used an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (A330 MRTT) tanker, German Tornado fighter jets and Spanish F-18s. The aircraft were used to develop and assess the automation technologies required for in-flight refuelling.
One key achievement was the development of a camera-based tracking system to determine the positions of the refuelling basket and the receiving aircraft. The technology enables control systems to identify the relative positions of objects moving continuously in flight.
The research also covered methods for stabilising the refuelling basket, or drogue. Its stability is critical because the hose can move in the airflow and as the tanker changes position.
The findings indicate that some functions previously requiring direct human observation and correction could potentially be assisted or performed automatically. However, this does not amount to a drone successfully receiving fuel from a tanker without pilot involvement.
That distinction is the central challenge of the second phase. An unmanned receiving aircraft must accurately determine its position and movement, maintain formation and manoeuvre towards the refuelling equipment with a high level of safety.