USAF picks Stratotanker SATCOM replacement
Rockwell Collins prevails over six other bids to provide new COTS SATCOM solution for KC-135.
Inmarsat SATCOM equipment on the KC-135 Stratotanker will be replaced by Collins Aerospace under a $27 million contract announced by the DoD on 26 January.
As the winner of the KC-135 Aero-I replacement tender (which attracted seven bids), Collins Aerospace will identify, develop, integrate and test a COTS Iridium SATCOM system to replace the existing C/KC-135 International Marine/Maritime Satellite system.
Recipients will not only include Stratotankers operated by the USAF but also FMS customers France and Turkey, if contract options are taken up.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.
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