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First KC-46A Tanker to Japan Delivered

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TOKYO/SEATTLE: Boeing has delivered its first KC-46A tanker to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) marking the programme’s first delivery to a customer outside the United States, airframe maker Boeing said.

“This is an exciting and historic moment for the Japan Air Self-Defence Force and Boeing as Japan joins the United States with the world’s most advanced, proven and safe multi-mission combat aerial refueling capability,” said James Burgess, Boeing vice president and manager, KC-46 Programme. “We are looking forward to decades of partnership with our Japan customer to ensure aircraft mission effectiveness and enable the success of the JASDF.”

The Japan KC-46A is capable of refueling JASDF, US Air Force, US Navy, and US Marine Corps aircraft. Globally, the KC-46A has already completed more than 5,000 sorties and transferred more than 50 million pounds of fuel to other aircraft through its boom and drogue systems.

“Japan’s acquisition of KC-46A tankers marks a significant milestone for both the programme and US-Japan cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and plays a critical role in the security alliance between both countries,” said Will Shaffer, president of Boeing Japan. “With its ability to carry cargo and passengers, the KC-46A tanker can also support Japan’s humanitarian and disaster relief efforts,” he said  in a statement Oct 31.

The versatile, multi-role tanker carries 18 military standardized pallets (463L) in cargo configuration and accommodates a mixed load of passengers and cargo. It is also equipped with robust defensive and tactical situational awareness systems that will help Japan secure and maintain its air superiority.

The US Air Force and JASDF awarded Boeing a Foreign Military Sale contract for this first JASDF KC-46A in December 2017, and exercised an option for a second in December 2018. Options for the third and fourth JASDF KC-46As were exercised in October 2020.

Boeing builds KC-46A aircraft for the USAF, JASDF and other international customers on its 767 production line in Everett, Washington. In addition, Boeing’s Japanese partners produce 16 percent of the KC-46A airframe structure.

Boeing is currently assembling the second KC-46A for Japan and has delivered 48 KC-46As to the USAF, beginning with the first delivery in January 2019. –adj/nag/iz (Image: Boeing)