Boeing has been awarded a contract to deliver two additional KC-46A Pegasus tankers to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF), bringing the total on contract for Japan to six aircraft. Boeing delivered the first KC-46A tanker to Japan in October 2021 and a second in February 2022.
Designed to refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refuelling procedures, the proven Pegasus has flown more than 10,000 sorties and is delivering millions of pounds of fuel every month to allied forces around the globe. In addition to refuelling, the KC-46A delivers multi-mission capabilities necessary for the 21st century fleet, including data connectivity and personnel, cargo and aeromedical transportation.
Boeing builds KC-46A aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, the JASDF and other allied customers on its 767-production line in Everett, Washington. In addition, Boeing’s Japanese partners produce 16% of the KC-46A airframe structure. The JASDF also operates four earlier-generation Boeing-built KC-767 aircraft.
