Page 31 - MRO Business Today 15th April 2023 Latest Issue

DEFENCE

Boeing secures $184 million KC-46A Upgrade

Contract from U.S. Air Force

The Boeing KC-46A aircraft upgrade for the U.S. Airforce includes line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight
communications technologies with anti-jamming and encryption features.

oeing has been awarded a $184 The KC-46A has already demonstrated throughout more than 40 U.S. states.
Bmillion contract by the U.S. Air Force its ability to provide more secure The company is also on contract to
to upgrade the KC-46A’s advanced communications and data integration deliver four KC-46A tankers to the Israel
communications capabilities through a than any tanker, giving the crew and Air Force.
Block 1 upgrade. The upgrade includes fleet situational awareness for real-time Boeing is a leading global aerospace
line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight decision-making. Its ability to deliver company that develops, manufactures
communications technologies with data as well as fuel to the joint force and services commercial airplanes,
anti-jamming and encryption features. has transformed the role of the tanker defense products and space systems for
The enhanced connectivity and data for the 21st century. customers in over 150 countries. The
integration provided by the KC-46A James Burgess, Vice President and company is committed to innovating for
will improve battlespace situational KC-46 program manager, Boeing said, the future, leading with sustainability,
awareness for joint and allied forces. “This upgrade demonstrates long-term and cultivating a culture based on its core
The upgrade will further expand the investment from Boeing and the Air values of safety, quality and integrity.
tanker’s battlespace network capabili- Force. The KC-46A is built to integrate As the KC-46A continues to evolve and
ties, including Advanced Battle Manage- cutting-edge capabilities directly into expand its capabilities, it is expected
ment System integration. the DNA of the aircraft as the needs of to play a critical role in joint and
Boeing has delivered 69 KC-46A the mission evolve.” allied operations around the world.
tankers to the U.S. Air Force and two to Boeing builds KC-46A aircraft on the The company’s investment in long-
the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The 767 production line in Everett, Wash., term capabilities is a testament to its
aircraft has been approved by the U.S. supported by a supplier network commitment to supporting the U.S. Air
Air Force Air Mobility Command for of about 37,000 American workers Force and its allies in achieving their
global combat operations since 2022. employed by more than 650 businesses missions

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