– The Block 1 upgrade will add advanced communications capabilities to further enhance the aircraft’s data connectivity and situational awareness

Under a $184 million contract from the United States Air Force, Boeing will improve the KC-46A’s advanced communications capabilities with a Block 1 upgrade.

Line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications technologies with antijamming and encryption features are among the enhancements. These features will improve the data and communications connectivity provided by the KC-46A to joint and ally forces for battlespace situational awareness.

“This update underscores Boeing and the Air Force’s long-term investment,” said James Burgess, vice president and KC-46 program manager. “The KC-46A is designed to integrate cutting-edge capabilities directly into the DNA of the aircraft as mission requirements evolve.”

The KC-46A already provides more secure communications and data integration than any other tanker, allowing the crew and fleet to make real-time decisions. The KC-46A is redefining the role of the tanker for the twenty-first century by supplying data as well as fuel to the combined force, and it will continue to improve its battlespace network capabilities, including Advanced Battle Management System integration.

The KC-46A was certified for worldwide combat operations by the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) in 2022. In operation, the KC-46A has displayed connectedness and situational awareness that AMC officials have termed as “game changing.”

Boeing manufactures the KC-46A aircraft on the 767 assembly line in Everett, Wash., and is supported by a supplier network of about 37,000 American workers employed by more than 650 businesses in more than 40 states. Boeing has delivered 69 KC-46A tankers to the United States Air Force and two to Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, and it has a commitment to deliver four KC-46A tankers to the Israel Air Force.