US Air Force Requests $3.9 Billion for KC-46A Tanker Expansion
The US Air Force has proposed a $3.9 billion budget to procure 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers for fiscal 2027. This funding marks an $800 million increase from fiscal 2026 and supports a long-term strategy to replace the aging KC-135 fleet, despite ongoing technical issues with the KC-46 program.
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The Air Force's fiscal 2027 budget request includes $3.9 billion for 15 Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers, with annual acquisitions expected to increase to 18 aircraft from 2028 to 2031. The total fleet size was corrected to 263 aircraft, down from an initially stated 319.
Procurement costs are projected at $199.8 million in 2027, rising to $321.9 million in 2028. Despite the investment, the KC-46 program faces significant technical challenges, including five Category 1 deficiencies, with a replacement system, RVS 2.0, delayed until summer 2027.
The request also reallocates funding from the Next-Generation Aerial Refueling System to enhance mission systems and survivability. The operational necessity for refueling capabilities has been highlighted by recent military operations, underlining the urgency for fleet upgrades.
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