KC-46 aerial refuelling tanker conducts receiver compatibility tests with a US Air Force C-17. Credit: USAF Christopher Okula.

Boeing has secured a contract to deliver a KC-46 Pegasus military aerial refuelling and strategic military transport tanker aircraft to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

The contract follows after the US Air Force (USAF) exercised the option included in the initial contract awarded through the US foreign military sale process.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

This KC-46 will be the second addition to the JASDF’s current fleet of four KC-767J tankers.

In December 2017, Boeing secured a $279m contract to deliver Japan’s first KC-46 aircraft, which was selected by the Japan Ministry of Defense through its KC-X aerial refuelling competition. It also includes the delivery of KC-46 logistics support.

US Air Force KC-46 System programme manager colonel John Newberry said: “Japan’s new tankers will not only enhance interoperability with the US Air Force but also play an important role in the security partnership between our two countries.”

“In addition to refuelling, the wide-body, multi-mission 767-derivative aircraft can transport fuel, cargo, passengers and patients.”

Boeing global sales and marketing Asia regional executive John Suding said: “Japan is our first KC-46 international partner and we look forward to delivering this highly capable multi-role tanker to the JASDF.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The KC-46 will be much easier to maintain than previous tankers, improving reliability and lowering lifecycle costs. It will be a valuable addition to Japan’s air mobility fleet for decades to come.”

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Model 4062 (PW4062) Turbofan engines, the KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all US, allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refuelling procedures.

In addition to refuelling, the wide-body, multi-mission 767-derivative aircraft can transport fuel, cargo, passengers and patients.

A fully provisioned KC-46 tanker conducted its maiden flight in September 2015.

To date, six test aircraft have logged in more than 3,700 flight hours and supplied more than four million pounds of fuel in flight to aircraft, including F-15E, F-16, AV-8B, A-10, B-52, KC-135 and KC-46.