15 more KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuellers bound for USAF
One hundred and fifty-three KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelers are now on contract globally. (Photo: USAF)
The US Air Force has ordered more Pegasus KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelling aircraft with advanced communications and data connectivity.
Boeing has been awarded a US$2.3 billion contract from the US Air Force (USAF) to delivery an additional 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers increasing the number of the aircraft type the company has on order to more than 153.
Although the aircraft has a primary role as an air-to-air tanker it can also perform roles as passenger transportation, aeromedical evacuation support and data connectivity at the tactical edge via its ability to transmit and exchange data, enabling rapid air mobility and global reach.
In March, the USAF awarded Boeing a Block 1 upgrade contract to add more advanced communications capabilities to enhance the aircraft’s data connectivity and situational awareness. The $184 million deal included line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications technologies with antijamming and encryption features to enhance the data and communications connectivity the KC-46A provides to joint and allied forces for battlespace situational awareness.
To date, Boeing has delivered 76 KC-46As to the USAF and two to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
Aside from the US, the aircraft has been in service with Japan and has been ordered by Israel, with the latter buying four aircraft under a deal worth $972 million with work expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
In November 2022, Japan ordered a further two aircraft on top of four which two had been delivered by October 2022.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne]()
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
![British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty]()
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.
