Nine KC-46 tankers for Japan

The US State Department recently approved a Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan for Boeing KC-46A tankers and related equipment.

The sale covers nine KC-46A aircraft 18 Pratt & Whitney PW4062 turbofan engines and an extensive list of other equipment to be outfitted to the aircraft, for an estimated cost of US$4.1 billion.

A Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) statement said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.”

**Japan’s first Boeing KC-46A tanker-transport, seen in 2022. If all aircraft ordered in the recent FMS are delivered, the JASDF will have a fleet of 15 KC-46As.** Boeing

The DSCA added: “The proposed sale will improve Japan’s aerial refuelling capability and passenger transport operations, which will contribute to enhanced deterrence of current and future threats in the region. Japan already has KC-46A aircraft tankers in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces.”

Japan initially ordered two KC-46As in 2016, then two more in October 2020 and a further pair in December 2022. The first of these aircraft was delivered to the Japan Air-Self Defense (JASDF) in November 2021. Two KC-46s are currently in service with the 3rd Tactical Airlift Group at Miho Air Base. The Japan KC-46 Foreign Military Sale, if fully completed, will therefore give the JASDF a fleet of 15 examples.

According to the DSCA, the Japan KC-46 Foreign Military Sale also includes 16 AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers, 33 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) Guardian laser turret assemblies; and up to 18 LAIRCM system processor replacements.

Other items in the FMS include: missile warning sensors; cartridge actuated devices and propellent actuated devices; control interface units; user data module cards; electronic warfare database support; KIV-77 crypto modules; KY-100 crypto terminals; AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders; AN/APX-119 identification friend or foe transponders; communications equipment; aircraft components, parts and accessories; support equipment; spare parts; training aids; technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment “and other related elements of logistics and program support”.

For more on the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, click here