Boeing has secured a Lot 12 contract from the U.S. Air Force for 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus tankers, a package worth US$2.47 billion. The agreement reinforces production stability and supports long-lead supply-chain activity needed to sustain output on the KC-46A line.
Jake Kwasnik, Vice President and KC-46 Programme Manager, said the contract helps Boeing maintain the consistency required to continue delivering what he described as the aircraft’s unmatched capability.
The U.S. KC-46A fleet has now accumulated more than 150,000 flight hours, underlining its heavy use across training, operational sorties and global deployment missions. The platform’s reliability and versatility continue to drive its expanding role across the joint force.
Worldwide, 183 KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuellers are either in service or on contract. This total includes 98 delivered to the U.S. Air Force, six to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force and four contracted for the Israel Air Force. Each operator uses the Pegasus to strengthen long-range mobility, improve interoperability and support demanding mission profiles.
Recent awards, including a July 2024 contract focused on mission readiness and performance improvements, are advancing the tanker’s capabilities. Upgrades under way aim to enhance communications, sharpen data connectivity and improve situational awareness. These developments ensure the KC-46A remains the world’s most advanced multi-mission aerial refueller as emerging requirements continue to evolve.
