Boeing takes another hit on Pegasus
A KC-46A Pegasus tanker refuels a USAF F-16 fighter. (Photo: Boeing)
Boeing logged contract wins in Q4 2021 but it incurred a $402 million pre-tax charge related to the KC-46A Pegasus programme.
Troubles with the vision system for the KC-46A Pegasus tanker programme continued to dog Boeing in Q4 2021 with a $402 million pre-tax charge, the US defence and aerospace group announced on 26 January.
On a more positive note, Q4 landmarks for Boeing Defense, Space & Security included a contract from US Special Operations Command for six MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters; a contract extension from the UK MoD for Future Logistics Information Services; and an award from Royal Saudi Air Force to modernise Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft.
Boeing also completed the first carrier tests for the MQ-25 Stingray tanker UAV and it started flight tests with the second uncrewed Loyal Wingman aircraft.
Sales and profits at Boeing Defense, Space & Security barely changed in 2021, with the former increasing by 1% to $26.54 billion and the latter rising by just $5 million to $1.54 billion.
The order backlog for Boeing Defense, Space & Security reached $60 billion by the end of 2021, with 33% coming from customers outside the US.
Group-wide, Boeing saw a 7% growth in full-year revenues to $62.28 billion in 2021 as overall losses improved from $11.94 billion to $4.29 billion.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
