KC-46A tanker for JASDF conducts first refuelling flight ahead of delivery

The first of four Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker-transport aircraft ordered by Japan has conducted its first refuelling flight ahead of the planned start of deliveries to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) later this year.

Boeing said in a 16 August statement that the aircraft refuelled another KC-46A in the skies over the US state of Washington on 9 August, adding that the Japan-bound tanker also successfully received fuel in return.

The first of four KC-46A tankers bound for the JASDF is seen here refuelling another KC-46A in the skies over the US state of Washington on 9 August. (Kevin Flynn via Boeing)

“The ability to carry cargo and passengers while maintaining tactical situational awareness makes the aircraft a critical tool in the security alliance between the US and Japan,” said Will Shaffer, the president of Boeing Japan, adding that, besides JASDF aircraft, the Japanese KC-46As will also be capable of refuelling US Air Force, US Navy, US Marine Corps aircraft.

The announcement comes after the US Air Force revealed in mid-June that Japanese crews had begun training on the KC-46A, pointing out that the first cadre of 12 JASDF students from the service's 405th Air Refuelling Squadron (ARS) had undertaken KC-46A instruction at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma in preparation for the arrival of the four tanker-transports on order.

As Janes reported, the 405th ARS was stood up in December 2020 as the JASDF's first KC-46A unit, with the initial students comprising six pilots and six boom operators.