European Defence Agency begins new research phase with Spain, Germany and Belgium on automated mid-air refuelling of unmanned aircraft

The European Defence Agency launched an approximately €8 million second research phase on automated aerial refueling, led by Spain with participation from Germany and Belgium. The work focuses on autonomously refueling unmanned receiver aircraft using hose-and-drogue techniques, including precise relative navigation, tracking and control during the approach and connection. Researchers will assess the technology through simulation and robotic validation before pursuing more representative flight experimentation and potential multiple-receiver operations. This is a cooperative research and demonstration effort rather than procurement of an operational unmanned refueling fleet or proof of routine autonomous fuel transfer.