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Boeing awarded $2.3 billion for additional U.S. Air Force KC-46A tankers

Boeing Co. will build an additional 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers, under a Lot 10 contract awarded by the U.S. Air Force valued at US$2.3 billion.

One hundred fifty-three KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelers are now on contract globally, Boeing officials said in a Nov. 28 statement, providing “advanced capability advantages” for the joint force and allies.

“We appreciate our partnership with the U.S. Air Force, which allows for the expansion of the capacity and capability of the KC-46A fleet,” said Lynn Fox, vice president and KC-46 program manager. “We understand the advantages that KC-46 capabilities give the warfighters, and in the current global environment, we continue to focus our investments on evolving the aircraft for the changing needs of the mission.”

“From aerial refueling, cargo and passenger transportation, aeromedical evacuation support, and data connectivity at the tactical edge, the KC-46A Pegasus has already been called a ‘game changer’ for its ability to transmit and exchange data, enabling rapid air mobility, global reach and Agile Combat Employment,” Boeing said.

Earlier this year, the Air Force awarded Boeing a Block 1 upgrade contract, adding more advanced communications capabilities designed to enhance the aircraft’s data connectivity and situational awareness.

To date, Boeing said, it has delivered 76 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force and two to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.