DefenseBoeing secures $2.47bn contract for 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers for US Air Force
Boeing has been awarded a contract valued at $2.47 billion by the US Air Force (USAF) to deliver 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft. The agreement supports continued deliveries to the US Air Force, which currently operates the largest KC-46A fleet worldwide.
This latest contract aims to ensure production stability for the KC-46A program, addressing long-lead supply chain demands and maintaining delivery momentum. The KC-46A fleet has surpassed 150,000 flight hours in service, underlining the type’s operational tempo.
“Getting on contract helps ensure production stability, including our long-lead supply chain, to continue delivering the unmatched capability of the KC-46A,” said Jake Kwasnik, vice president and KC-46 program manager at Boeing.
Globally, 183 KC-46A aircraft are either in contract or active service, with 98 delivered to the US Air Force, six to Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, and four contracted for Israel. Ongoing contracts are focused on enhancing communications, data connectivity, and situational awareness for the platform.
The KC-46A Pegasus, derived from Boeing’s 767 airframe, was selected by the US Air Force in February 2011. The first delivery to the US Air Force took place in January 2019.
Air Force acquisition plans now call for a total of 188 KC-46A units, and a production extension program could see up to 75 additional aircraft contracted, potentially raising the combined total to 288 if all options are exercised.
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