Boeing was awarded a substantial contract of 2.3 billion dollars for the production of an additional 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers for the U.S. Air Force. This recent contract, known as Lot 10, brings the total number of KC-46A tankers on order worldwide to 153 units.
Lynn Fox, Vice President and Manager of the KC-46 Program at Boeing, expressed her gratitude for the partnership with the U.S. Air Force, emphasizing the evolving capabilities of the aircraft in response to the changing needs of the mission and the current global environment.
«We appreciate our collaboration with the USAF, which allows us to expand the capacity and capabilities of the KC-46A fleet. We are aware of the advantages that the KC-46 capabilities bring to the fighters, and in the current global environment, we continue to focus our investments on the evolution of the aircraft to meet the changing needs of the mission.»
The KC-46A project has an economic footprint composed of a supplier network that involves approximately 37,000 American workers and more than 650 companies in over 40 U.S. states.
Advanced Capabilities of the KC-46A
The KC-46A Pegasus is a multi-mission aircraft that offers capabilities beyond traditional aerial refueling. Its roles include cargo and passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation support, and enhanced data connectivity, crucial for rapid air mobility and ACE (Agile Combat Employment).
Earlier this year, Boeing received a contract for a Block 1 upgrade, further enhancing the KC-46A’s communications and situational awareness capabilities. In January, the manufacturer had closed the contract for Lot 9, also for 15 aircraft.
To date, Boeing has delivered 76 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force and two to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, marking a significant progress in its global expansion.
