Boeing has been awarded a $184 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to upgrade the KC-46A’s advanced communications capabilities through a Block 1 upgrade. The upgrade includes line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications technologies with anti-jamming and encryption features. The enhanced connectivity and data integration provided by the KC-46A will improve battlespace situational awareness for joint and allied forces. The upgrade will further expand the tanker’s battlespace network capabilities, including Advanced Battle Management System integration.
Boeing has delivered 69 KC-46A tankers to the U.S. Air Force and two to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The aircraft has been approved by the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command for global combat operations since 2022. The KC-46A has already demonstrated its ability to provide more secure communications and data integration than any tanker, giving the crew and fleet situational awareness for real-time decision-making. Its ability to deliver data as well as fuel to the joint force has transformed the role of the tanker for the 21st century.