Japan’s first KC-46A completes test refuelling flight
The Japan-bound tanker recently refueled another KC-46A in the skies over Washington state. (Photo: Boeing)
The first KC-46A for a non-US customer gives and receives fuel with another KC-46A.
The first Boeing KC-46A tanker built for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) recently refuelled another KC-46A tanker, and itself received fuel from the other tanker, during a test flight in Washington state.
Japan is the KC-46 programme’s first non-US customer and is scheduled to receive its first aircraft this year.
In March 2020, the US State Department announced that it has approved a possible FMS to Israel of eight KC-46 tanker aircraft for an estimated cost of $2.4 billion, making it the second non-US customer.
The tanker is capable of refuelling USAF, USN, USMC and JASDF aircraft.
The USAF initially awarded Boeing a contract for the JASDF’s first KC-46A tanker in December 2017 and a second Japanese tanker is already in production.
The contract modification awarded to Boeing in June 2021 brought the total cumulative face value of the KC-46 contract to $898.67million.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the two KC-46As will join the JASDF’s current fleet of four KC-767J tankers.
The USAF will use the KC-46A to refuel joint and coalition aircraft via a boom or drogue system, and to augment the airlift fleet with cargo, passenger and aeromedical evacuation capabilities.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo unveils new design of uncrewed Proteus demonstrator]()
Leonardo unveils new design of uncrewed Proteus demonstrator
According to Leonardo, the rotorcraft will conduct its first flight by mid-2025, following on from its £60 million (US$ 75 million) contract award in July 2022.
-
![US Navy’s new jammer declared operational]()
US Navy’s new jammer declared operational
The Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system, developed by Raytheon (RTX) is part of a larger system that will augment and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently used on the EA-18G Growler.
-
![L3 Harris develops Viper Shield EW system and makes strides on DiSCO development]()
L3 Harris develops Viper Shield EW system and makes strides on DiSCO development
The US tech company and defence contractor showcased its Viper Shield EW Suite and provided further details on its DiSCO platform in Washington, DC last month.
-
![Japan approved for $3.6 billion AMRAAM purchase]()
Japan approved for $3.6 billion AMRAAM purchase
The request is for up to 1,200 Raytheon (RTX) AIM-120 (D-3/C-8) Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), along with ancillary equipment and services.
-
![US Air Force to receive extra $1.6 billion for aircraft procurement and modernisation in FY2025]()
US Air Force to receive extra $1.6 billion for aircraft procurement and modernisation in FY2025
The additional fund has been earmarked for fighter jets and transport aircraft efforts.
-
![Sixth African country signs for Super Tucano]()
Sixth African country signs for Super Tucano
The order comes on top of other countries ordering aircraft in 2024, specifically Portugal, Uruguay and Paraguay.
