Boeing has delivered its first KC-46A tanker to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) marking the program’s first delivery to a customer outside the United States.

The Japan KC-46A is capable of refueling JASDF, US Air Force, US Navy, and US Marine Corps aircraft. Globally, the aircraft 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.

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.

The industry builds KC-46A aircraft for the US Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force 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.

The company is currently assembling the second airplane for Japan and has delivered 48 units to the US Air Force, beginning with the first delivery in January 2019.

The technical data sheet of the airplane is attached to this AVIONEWS.