The US Air Force has expanded its fleet of multi-mission air refuelling aircraft by signing a $2.3 billion contract with Boeing for the ninth production batch of 15 KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft. To date, 128 KC-46A Pegasus contracts have been signed with the US Air Force. Of these, 68 were delivered and operationally deployed.

James Burgess, Boeing vice president and KC-46 Program Manager, said: “The combat-ready KC-46A transforms the tanker role for the 21st century. We are proud to work side by side with the Air Force to ensure Pegasus offers unmatched capabilities and continues to evolve for the global mission needs of the United States and its allies.’’

Last year, the US Air Force Air Mobility Command approved the KC-46A for global operations, including combat deployment. Pegasus continues to demonstrate its agile combat recruiting capabilities by recently completing a 42-hour endurance flight in support of a US Air Force Bomber Task Force mission in the Indo-Pacific region.

Boeing has signed contracts for 138 KC-46A Pegasus tankers worldwide. Boeing has delivered two of its six KC-46A tankers to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force and is under contract for four KC-46A tankers for the Israeli Air Force. The expanding global fleet provides opportunities for partnership and interoperability for the US Air Force and its allies.