Japan orders additional KC-46A tankers
Japan is boosting its KC-46A tanker fleet up to six thanks to the latest contract award. (Photo: Boeing)
Japan is enlarging its KC-46A Pegasus tanker fleet after signing a fresh contract with Boeing.
On 29 November, the US DoD announced the sale of an additional two KC-46A Pegasus air-to-air refuellers for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The latest contract is worth $398.24 million. This brings to six the number of tankers on order, with their cumulative contractual value coming to $1.31 billion.
The US announcement listed a delivery deadline of 30 June 2025 for the Foreign Military Sales deal that will proceed via the USAF.
Will Shaffer, president of Boeing Japan, commented: ‘This additional KC-46A acquisition reinforces the US-Japan security alliance to support security and stability throughout the Pacific region.’
After a
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
-
![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.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
