The aircraft should be ready by the end of June 2028. Previously, the Air Force received 89 KC-46 Pegasus, and the Air Force planned to receive 179 aircraft of this model in total.
The US Air Force entered into an agreement with Boeing Co. a contract for the production of 15 more KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft, the contract value is $2.4 billion, reports Defense News.
The aircraft should be ready by the end of June 2028. In the past, the Air Force received 89 KC-46 Pegasus, and the Air Force plans to receive 179 aircraft of this model in total.
It was noted that this aircraft plays an important role for the Air Force, which is decommissioning old models of tanker aircraft and modernizing its capabilities. In October, the new KC-46 Pegasus saw its first full Air Force operational deployment when it deployed to the Middle East.
In the past, the KC-46 Pegasus program has long been plagued by various difficulties, including cost overruns and poor product quality.
The US Air Force plans to have next-generation refueling aircraft in the 2030s, built with low-visibility technologies that can operate in dangerous, contested airspace. In addition to this project, it is also planned to acquire a sixth-generation fighter and a drone that will be able to operate in a group with these fighters and the promising B-21 Raider strategic bombers.
Boeing Co also reportedly received another $1.7 billion contract from the Navy for seven P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft. These aircraft are in service in the USA, Great Britain, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, and have been ordered by South Korea, Germany and Canada. In total, there are approximately 170 P-8A Poseidons in service worldwide.
Let’s remember that last year the United States ordered 15 tanker aircraft from Boeing for $2.3 billion.
It was also reported that American aircraft manufacturer Boeing entered into an agreement with South Korean airline Korean Air for the supply of 20 777-9 and 20 787-10 aircraft.
Source: korrespondent
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