Dubai Airshow 2025: Boeing’s KC-46 upgraded vision system progresses with first test flight
The USAF is a major customer for the KC-46 platform, with 179 aircraft ordered. (Photo: USAF/Airman 1st Class Adam Enbal)
The KC-46 Pegasus is also a key platform that Boeing is pushing for the Middle East, with the manufacturer expressing optimism regarding its regional prospects.
Boeing has revealed that it has flown the new vision system for its KC-46 Pegasus aircraft as an important first step in the long-delayed upgrade to the tanker.
Speaking to media ahead of the Dubai Airshow 2025, Boeing Defense, Space and Security CEO Steve Parker said that the flight test took place on 15 November in Seattle, describing it as a “huge milestone” for the programme.
The Remote Vision System 2.0 (RVS 2.0) upgrade has experienced numerous delays in the programme, with the upgrades initially expected to be finalised in 2023 but now scheduled to complete in 2027. Now, however, the system has
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era]()
“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era
European militaries face a new security landscape, with the proliferation of drones, theatre ballistic missiles and other threats boosting requirements for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and related systems. For L3Harris, missionised business jets are central to meeting these needs, providing capability and flexibility in a cost-effective package.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
