The US Air Force has awarded Boeing a $398 million contract to provide two more KC-46A Pegasus tankers to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The latest agreement is the sixth Pegasus contract awarded to Boeing to support Japan and follows the delivery of the JASDF’s first and second KC-46As in 2021 and 2022.
Work for the program will be conducted at the company’s facility in Everett, Washington, and is expected to be completed by 2025.
“The unmatched versatility and multi-mission capabilities of the KC-46A tanker further support JASDF’s air mobility mission,” Boeing Vice President and KC-46 Program Manager James Burgess said.
“The growing global KC-46A fleet increases the interoperability advantages for our customers, ensuring mission readiness as well as value for their investment.”
Maintaining Security in the Pacific
According to Boeing, the Pegasus has flown more than 10,000 sorties, delivering “millions of pounds” of fuel to international military services.
Alongside its refueling capability, the multi-role aircraft acts as a data connectivity platform and provides logistical support for personnel, cargo, and aeromedical operations.
To date, Boeing has delivered 65 KC-46A tankers to the US and two to Japan.
It is among the few tankers that fly globally alongside the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker.
“This additional KC-46A acquisition reinforces the US-Japan security alliance to support security and stability throughout the Pacific region,” Boeing Japan President Will Shaffer explained.
“Boeing is proud of our enduring partnership with Japan, and we look forward to supporting the nation’s KC-46A fleet that will fly for decades to come.”
