Boeing Secures $79.4 Million Boost for Japanese KC-46A Tanker Support
The American aerospace manufacturer Boeing has secured a sole-source contract valued at $79.4 million for KC-46A long-lead components, initial spare parts, and support apparatus from the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, as per a Pentagon announcement dated April 19.
This contract, which modifies a prior agreement without a definite limit, supplies mission-critical long-lead components, initial spare parts, and support apparatus intended for the Japan KC-46 aircraft currently in production under the fundamental contract.
According to the modification, the project is anticipated to conclude by June 30, 2024. The work will take place in Everett, Washington.
Boeing is producing KC-46A aircraft for both the U.S. Air Force and Japan utilizing its 767 assembly line in Everett, Washington. Japanese partners contribute to 16% of the KC-46 airframe structure.
Japan stands as the inaugural international client for the KC-46 program.
Boeing received the initial Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract for Japan’s first KC-46 aircraft and associated logistics in December 2017, following a competitive bidding process conducted by the Japan Ministry of Defense for the KC-X aerial refueling project. A second KC-46 contract was awarded to Boeing in December 2018.
