AirAmericas

US Air Force to Receive 15 Additional Pegasus Tankers From Boeing

The US Air Force and Boeing have signed a $2.3 billion contract for the ninth production lot of 15 KC-46A Pegasus air refueling and military transport aircraft.

Under the agreement, the company will provide related subscriptions, data, and licenses associated with the aircraft.

Work for the project will be performed at Boeing’s facility in Everett, Washington. The delivery is scheduled for completion by 2026.

“The combat-ready KC-46A is transforming the role of the tanker for the 21st century,” Boeing Vice President and KC-46 Program Manager James Burgess stated.

“We’re proud to work side-by-side with the Air Force ensuring the Pegasus provides unmatched capabilities and continues to evolve for the U.S. and its allies’ global mission needs.”

US Air Force’s Growing KC-46A Fleet

The latest agreement follows the sixth and seventh Pegasus lot contracts in January 2021 and the eighth lot awarded in 2022.

A F-16 receives fuel from a KC-46 Pegasus Image: USAF Tech. Sgt. John Raven

A total of 128 KC-46As will be delivered to the air force, with 68 already shipped.

According to Boeing, the tanker’s production is supported by a supplier network comprising 37,000 workers and over 650 businesses in 40 states.

“With Boeing’s in-line production, the KC-46A is designed and built as a tanker from day one — not a post-production conversion — making the Pegasus uniquely suited to integrate advanced technology for fleet data connectivity and combat-ready defensive features, as well as new capabilities as the needs of the mission evolve,” a statement from the company said.

Pegasus in Japan

Last year, the US Air Force awarded Boeing a $398 million contract to deliver two Pegasus aircraft to Japan.

The agreement follows the first and second KC-46As integrated into the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force in 2021 and 2022.

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