Japan to order additional KC-46As

On 13 September 2024, the US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) for up to nine Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft to the Government of Japan, together with related equipment.

The tankers are to be operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Currently the JASDF has four KC-46As on strength, operating from Yonago/Miho Air Base with 405 Hikotai. Two more aircraft are on order and were seen at the Boeing facility at Seattle Paine Field (WA).

In Japan's Defence Buildup Programme published 16 December 2022, the defence for Japan was forecasted for the next five years, so up to FY 2027. Several quotes already hinted at procuring more KC-46A tanker/transport aircraft.

"In order to secure capabilities for swift and reliable transportation of necessary units to defeat the invasion of islands to the southwest region, MOD/SDF will procure various transportation assets such as transport ships (LSVs, LCUs and maneuverable boats), transport aircraft (C-2), aerial refueling/ transport aircraft (KC-46A, etc.), and transport/ utility helicopters (CH-47J/JA, UH-2)."

"In order to respond to high-intensity air operations and from the viewpoint of persistent combat, the aerial refueling and transport aircraft (KC-46A, etc.) will be increased in order to strengthen the aerial refueling function."

To achieve this goal, it was anticipated the JASDF needs an additional thirteen KC-46A aircraft. How this number relates to the nine recently approved by the US and the six already on order and partly delivered remains to be seen. For the moment no budget has been allocated for additional aircraft in the Fiscal Year budgets after that of FY2020, in which the bulk procurement of four aircraft was approved.

Credit photo: Daniel Gorun (Scramble Archive)