On November 21, 2024, Boeing announced it had secured a significant contract from the U.S. Air Force valued at $2.38 billion for the production and delivery of 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers. This contract falls under the Lot 11 procurement, bringing the total number of KC-46A tankers on contract globally to 168. The KC-46A, a derivative of the Boeing 767 commercial airliner, serves as a multi-role tanker designed to refuel allied and coalition military aircraft, as well as carry passengers, cargo, and patients. Its capabilities extend beyond traditional refueling to include advanced roles in data connectivity at the tactical edge, making it a versatile asset in modern military operations.
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Lynn Fox, Vice President and KC-46 Program Manager at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with the U.S. Air Force. She highlighted the KC-46A's role in providing unmatched capabilities to meet the evolving needs of military missions in today's global environment. This contract follows a history of deliveries, with Boeing having supplied 89 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force since 2019, alongside four to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The aircraft has been operationally deployed, showcasing its utility in various military scenarios, including its inaugural full-scale deployment in October of this year, where it demonstrated its ability to offload fuel to receivers globally, accumulating over 100,000 flight hours.
The announcement comes at a time when Boeing is navigating through financial and operational challenges, including workforce reductions. However, the defense sector remains a robust part of its business, with the KC-46A program being particularly significant due to its strategic importance to the U.S. military's global reach and Agile Combat Employment capabilities.
The contract not only reinforces Boeing's role in defense manufacturing but also supports a vast network of suppliers. It involves approximately 37,000 American workers spread across more than 650 businesses in over 40 states, underscoring the economic impact of such contracts on the broader U.S. economy. This deal is seen as a vote of confidence in Boeing's ability to deliver sophisticated military aircraft amidst its broader corporate restructuring.