DefenseUS lawmakers seek to restrict KC-135 retirements amid KC-46 issues
The US House of Representatives has approved a defense authorization bill that imposes restrictions on the Air Force’s tanker fleet, particularly limiting the retirement of Boeing KC-135 aircraft and capping further purchases of the KC-46A Pegasus until technical issues are resolved.
The legislation, which must still be reconciled with the Senate’s version and signed into law, aims to increase the US Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet from 466 to 504 aircraft by 2027.
Under the bill, the retirement of any KC-135 tankers from the Air Force Reserve is prohibited, while additional constraints are placed on divesting KC-10 Extender jets if the minimum fleet size of 485 aircraft is not met by October 2026.
The KC-10s, which were withdrawn from service, must be stored in flight-ready condition to ensure rapid reactivation if required. The move reflects concerns over maintaining sufficient aerial refueling capacity for US military operations, especially as the KC-46A program continues to experience setbacks.
Lawmakers cite unresolved Category 1 deficiencies in the KC-46A, including at least six major risks to crew safety and aircraft integrity. These include persistent issues with the aircraft’s remote vision system, which have been linked to reported incidents. As a result, the legislation limits KC-46A acquisitions to 183 units until a formal corrective plan is implemented, despite the Air Force’s stated goal of eventually acquiring up to 263 aircraft.
In response, Boeing is working on both temporary and permanent solutions for the KC-46A’s technical problems. The aircraft has played a significant role in supporting missions such as those targeting nuclear development sites in Iran, underscoring the operational need for a reliable and available tanker fleet.
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