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U.S. Air Force Opens KC-46 Program to More Allies for Long-Range Refueling Operations Through 2035

The U.S. Air Force raised the ceiling of its Boeing KC-46 allied tanker contract from $5.7 billion to $19.1 billion, expanding the framework for Japan, Israel, and future Foreign Military Sales customers. The higher ceiling gives Washington additional capacity to support allied tanker requirements through 2035 without constituting a firm $13.4 billion aircraft order. The modification covers KC-46A Pegasus post-production requirements and future partner needs under contract FA8609-19-D-0007, with work centered in Seattle and no funding obligated at the time of the change. The expanded framework could support additional aircraft, upgrades, and sustainment requirements as allied air forces place greater emphasis on long-range aerial refueling and distributed operations. Read more. 

A U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker. The service has expanded the program’s contract ceiling to support Japan, Israel, and future allied customers through 2035. (Picture source: US DoD)

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