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:
March Air Reserve Base in California has been named the preferred site to base 12 new KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers.
These advanced KC-46A tankers will replace aging KC-135 Stratotankers, modernizing the Air Force's fleet with enhanced capabilities such as simultaneous boom and drogue refueling and increased cargo capacity.
The decision was based on factors like mission and infrastructure, with a final basing decision pending an environmental impact analysis expected in fall 2023.
