Aviation
Japan Orders Two More Boeing KC-46A Tankers
Japan Air Self-Defense Force now slated for six multi-mission KC-46A tanker
*Japan Air Self-Defense Force now slated for six multi-mission KC-46A tankers with two already delivered.
* Growing global fleet of Pegasus aerial refuelers increasing interoperability for mission success.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has ordered two more KC-46A Pegasus tankers from Boeing, bringing the total number of KC-46A Pegasus tankers ordered by Japan to six. The first KC-46A tanker from Boeing arrived in Japan in October 2021, and the second one arrived in February 2022.
Designed to refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling 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 refueling, the KC-46A delivers multi-mission capabilities necessary for the 21st century fleet, including data connectivity and personnel, cargo and aeromedical transportation.
Boeing has delivered 67 KC-46A tankers, including 65 to the U.S. Air Force and two to Japan. Built on the proven 767 airframe that has more than 1,200 delivered—and with more KC-46A aircraft operational globally than any tanker except the Boeing-built KC-135—the Pegasus also provides crucial mission reliability for global customers.
Boeing received the most orders at the Farnborough airshows in 2022.(Opens in a new browser tab)
The contract was awarded by the U.S. Air Force through the Foreign Military Sales process. 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 percent of the KC-46A airframe structure. The JASDF also operates four earlier generation Boeing-built KC-767 aircraft.
