US Air Force Contemplates Procuring Additional Boeing KC-46A Tankers

The US Air Force is engaged in discussions with Boeing and various industry partners to assess the defense industrial base’s capacity for producing a future tanker aircraft, as revealed by the service’s acquisition chief, Andrew Hunter. The Air Force is showing a preference for acquiring more Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers without engaging in a competitive proposal process, aiming to replace its aging fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers.

Hunter emphasized the Air Force’s need for industry insights regarding what they can deliver and when, particularly in terms of tanker capabilities and availability. The service is considering the procurement of 75 additional KC-46A tankers from Boeing, which would increase the total count to 254. According to Hunter, the KC-46A has proven to be a reliable platform that effectively meets most of the Air Force’s requirements for aerial refueling and strategic transport.

While Boeing remains the preferred choice, the Air Force remains open to exploring alternatives from other vendors, including Lockheed Martin and Airbus. Lockheed Martin and Airbus have jointly proposed a modified version of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) known as the LMXT. The Air Force will evaluate proposals based on criteria such as cost, schedule, performance, and risk factors.

The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport is a European aerial refuelling and military transport aircraft based on the civilian Airbus A330-200. As of August 31 2023, a total of 77 A330 MRTT had been ordered from Airbus Military by 16 countries. 58 have been delivered, including seven of the ten ordered by NATO’s Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF).

A decision regarding the Air Force’s future tanker acquisition strategy is expected in early 2024, following an analysis of alternatives (AoA), consultations with Congress, and input from various stakeholders. The Air Force’s objective is to modernize its tanker fleet, ensuring its ability to support the joint force in contested environments in the 2030s and beyond.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, breakingdefense.com, afcea.org