The U.S. DoD has awarded Boeing a pair of separate contracts of worth $4 billion, that includes the extra KC-46 tankers and P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
Withis new order, Boeing has now received a $1.7 billion contract from the US Navy to produce seven additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The aircraft, which is modified Boeing 737 aircraft, is used for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare as well as reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
The designated Lot 11 contract modification is a $2.38 billion agreement to produce 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuelling tankers for the US Air Force, bringing the total number of aircraft on contract to 168, and ensuring ongoing production through to at least June 2028.
The United States Air Force requirement is for 179 KC-46A aircraft in total. Boeing has delivered 89 KC-46As to the US Air Force so far, as well as four to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
The KC-46A fleet has now amassed more than 100,000 flying hours, offloading more than 200 million pounds of fuel to receivers globally.
The US Air Force Air Mobility Command approved the KC-46A for global combat operations in 2022, and the Pegasus multi-mission tanker made its inaugural full-scale operational deployment In October.
Boeing's Press release read as,
Boeing will build 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus tankers under a Lot 11 contract award from the U.S. Air Force valued at $2.38 billion. In all, Boeing has 168 KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelers on contract globally, providing advanced capability advantages for the joint force and allies.
Lynn Fox, vice president and KC-46 program manager, said:
“We appreciate our continued partnership with the U.S. Air Force,” “This is another big milestone for our team, and we look forward to delivering the world’s most advanced multi-mission aerial refuelers for years to come.”
The P-8A Poseidon has proven to be a key player in the US Navy's fleet modernization, replacing the aging P-3 Orion. In addition, its unique production line allows for the integration of new and necessary modifications right from the assembly stage.
In July, Boeing was awarded a contract to upgrade the mission readiness and performance of the KC-46A tanker, building on the 2023 Block 1 upgrade, and aiming to further enhance the tanker’s advanced communications, data connectivity and situational awareness. It is intended that this will improve aircraft survivability and viability in contested environments providing a meaningful operational advantage.
Like most modern MPAs, the P-8A can carry torpedoes and sonobuoys alongside multi-function radars. In addition to this, the jet-powered MPA can use AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles for the role of anti-surface warfare.
KC-46, an American military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft, was developed by Boeing from its 767 jet airliner as a successor to the KC-135 Stratotanker.
While the KC-46A is to replace most of the KC-135 fleet, the USAF is considering new options for aerial refuelling capability, such as low-observable tankers with some features similar to that of the B-2 Spirit bomber.
Tory Peterson, vice president and P-8 program manager at Boeing did tell Breaking Defense that:
“This $1.67 billion undefinitized contract for seven additional P-8A Poseidons not only reinforces the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining a robust maritime presence but also highlights Boeing’s dedication to delivering safe, reliable platforms that enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities, readiness and effectiveness."
"We look forward to delivering these additional P-8A maritime patrol aircraft to ensure the continued safety and security of our nation and allies.”
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Skyler Combs
