The U.S. Air Force approved the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker for worldwide deployment, including support of combat operations, following a recent employment concept exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. Air Force has identified March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, California, as the preferred location for basing 12 new KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers.
These KC-46A tankers are intended to replace the aging KC-135 Stratotankers and will introduce enhanced capabilities, including versatile boom and drogue refueling, significant cargo capacity, and improved force protection.
The selection was made after assessing sites based on mission, infrastructure, community support, environmental factors, and cost, with a final decision expected after an environmental impact analysis in fall 2023.
