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Air Force Picks Tennessee for KC-46 Main Base as Boeing Wins $2.47 Billion Lot 12

The selection triggers environmental review toward a 2027 decision, targeting first aircraft in 2031.

Overview

  • Boeing received a Lot 12 contract to build 15 additional KC-46A tankers valued at $2.47 billion, which the company says supports production stability and long‑lead supply chains.
  • McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville was designated KC-46A Main Operating Base 7 for the 134th Air Refueling Wing, set to replace KC-135s with eight Pegasus aircraft pending a final decision in 2027.
  • The first KC-46As for Tennessee are planned to arrive in 2031 following completion of the environmental impact analysis and required facility upgrades.
  • Boeing reports 183 KC-46A aircraft are on contract or in service globally, including deliveries to the U.S. and Japan and aircraft contracted for Israel, with the U.S. fleet surpassing 150,000 flight hours.
  • Technical remediation continues as Boeing begins flight tests of the improved Remote Vision System 2.0 and fields software and data upgrades aimed at communications, connectivity and mission execution.