Japan receives its first KC-46A
The first KC-46A for the JASDF, pictured being rolled out by Boeing in September 2020. (Photo: Boeing)
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force becomes the first non-US recipient of the KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft.
Boeing has delivered the first of four KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft on order from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
This marked the first delivery of a KC-46A to a non-US customer, the aircraft manufacturer announced on 31 October.
James Burgess, Boeing VP and manager of the KC-46 programme, said: ‘We are looking forward to decades of partnership with our Japan customer to ensure aircraft mission effectiveness and enable the success of the JASDF.’
The aircraft is mostly built in the US at the Boeing 767 production line in Everett, Washington, although Japanese companies produce 16% of the airframe structure.
The KC-46A is capable of refuelling USAF, USN, USMC and JASDF aircraft.
The USAF initially awarded Boeing a contract for the JASDF’s first KC-46A tanker in December 2017 and a second Japanese tanker is being assembled. Options for a third and fourth JASDF KC-46A were exercised in October 2020.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the KC-46As will join the JASDF’s current fleet of four KC-767J tankers.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft]()
“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft
The aeronautics business saw a 34% boost in growth year on year, driven largely by its success with its Gripen aircraft.
-
![Ukraine and Sweden mark first major step towards potential Gripen E export deal]()
Ukraine and Sweden mark first major step towards potential Gripen E export deal
The letter of intent, signed on 22 October, is the first move in a “long road” towards Sweden strengthening the Ukrainian Air Force with up to 150 Gripen aircraft.
-
![Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept]()
Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept
Named X-Bat, the AI-controlled vertical take-off and landing drone is expected to enter production by 2029, with first flight tests estimated to take place a year earlier.
-
![How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)]()
How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)
"Speed is the key advantage and accuracy is the key outcome": Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions’ Rick Freeman talks to Shephard’s Georgia Lewis about how space-as-a-service is transforming defence connectivity and access to satellite capabilities.
