The US Air Force is investigating a failed in-flight refueling operation involving an F-22 Raptor and a KC-46 Pegasus tanker that resulted in nearly $10 million in damage. According to reporting based on the new investigation findings, the KC-46 loses its entire refueling boom during the refueling mission. The malfunction disrupts the transfer process and leads to costly consequences tied to the incident’s impact on equipment and related systems. The sources describe the event as a significant failure mode for an aircraft used to extend fighter range through midair refueling, highlighting the vulnerability of critical hardware during operations. The investigation examines how the boom was lost during the mission and what factors contributed to the outcome, with the goal of determining causes and preventing recurrence. The reporting does not indicate that the incident involved fatalities, but it emphasizes the substantial financial cost associated with the malfunction and the resulting damage. The Air Force’s findings are presented as a detailed review of the circumstances surrounding the failed refueling.