More KC-46As for Japan

The US State Department has approved a possible sale of up to nine new Boeing KC-46A tankers to augment the six it has already ordered.

A Boeing KC-46 visits to Yokota
A Boeing KC-46A Pegasus takes off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 25, 2018, during a system evaluation. This is the first time the KC-46A visited Japan. The flight is to support an initial evaluation by the USAF of the KC-46A's integrated mission system suite as well as its ability to conduct worldwide navigation, communication and operation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

On 13 September 2024 the State Department made a determination approving a possible $4.1 billion Foreign Military Sale of up to nine Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuelling aircraft to the Government of Japan, and delivered the required notification to Congress. The aircraft will be supplied with Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) Guardian Laser Turret Assemblies (GLTAs) and AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers (RWRs) and will be powered by PW4062 turbofan engines.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) took delivery of four first generation Boeing KC-767 tankers from 2008 to 2010, and then ordered three KC-46 tankers in 2016, with subsequent orders taking the total to six aircraft, the first of which was delivered in November 2021.

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