The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan of KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuelling aircraft, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 13 September 2024.
The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 4.1 billion (EUR 3.69 billion), has been forwarded to the US Congress for final approval.
Japan has requested to buy up to nine KC-46A aircraft; up to eighteen PW4062 turbofan engines; up to 16 AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers (RWRs); up to 33 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) Guardian Laser Turret Assemblies (GLTAs); and up to 18 LAIRCM system processor replacements.
The package also includes various non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE) items, such as crypto equipment, as well as spare part various aspects of technical, training, logistics and programme support.
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s aerial refuelling capability and passenger transport operations, which will contribute to enhanced deterrence of current and future threats in the region,” the DSCA stated.
Japan has already ordered six KC-46A tankers, of which the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has so far received four.
The principal contractors for this sale will be Boeing, out of facilities in Everett, Washington; Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, located in East Hartford, Connecticut; RTX Corporation, located in Goleta, California; and Northrop Grumman Corporation, located in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
