US Air Force grows KC-46A tanker fleet
The US currently operates 55 KC-46A transport/tanker aircraft. (Photo: US DoD)
The US Air Force has exercised an option to procure an additional 15 KC-46A Pegasus aircraft.
Boeing has been awarded a $2,2 billion modification to a previously awarded contract for the KC-46A Pegasus tanker/transport aircraft, the USAF announced at the end of January.
The modification means the USAF has now exercised the option for an additional 15 KC-46As.
Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington, and is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026.
The US currently operates 55 KC-46A transport/tanker aircraft mainly to refuel joint and coalition aircraft via a boom or drogue system, and to augment the airlift fleet with cargo, passenger and aeromedical evacuation capabilities.
The crew compartment includes 15 permanent seats for the aircrew. The KC-46A can carry up to 18 463L cargo pallets or be configured to carry 58 passengers in normal operations or up to 114 for contingency operations.
The hold can be configured to carry 24 litres and 34 ambulatory patients, and the aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW4062 turbofan engines.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy]()
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF]()
DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
