This article is based on an official press release from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and additional reporting on fleet status.

USAF Accepts 100th KC-46A Pegasus, Marking Major Fleet Milestone at Travis AFB

The United States Air Force has officially accepted the delivery of its 100th KC-46A Pegasus tanker, a significant milestone in the service’s effort to recapitalize its aging aerial refueling fleet. The aircraft arrived at Travis Air Force Base, California, on December 2, 2025, piloted personally by Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, the commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC).

According to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), this delivery represents a critical maturation point for the Pegasus program. The 100th aircraft flew in formation with the 99th KC-46A, which was piloted by Lt. Gen. John P. Healy, Chief of the Air Force Reserve. The dual arrival underscores the “Total Force” integration of Active Duty and Reserve components in operating the new tanker.

Travis AFB, known as the “Gateway to the Pacific,” is currently transitioning from the legacy KC-10 Extender to the KC-46A. The arrival of these jets solidifies the base’s role in supporting global reach operations in the Pacific theater.

A Symbolic Delivery for Air Mobility

The delivery event highlighted the operational readiness of the KC-46A fleet. Gen. Lamontagne’s participation as the pilot of the 100th jet served to demonstrate command confidence in the airframe. In a statement released by the Air Force, Gen. Lamontagne emphasized the strategic importance of the delivery.

“Today marks not just the arrival of the 100th KC-46 delivered, but the continued strengthening of our nation’s global reach and readiness. The Pegasus represents a key chapter in air mobility, one built on innovation and unwavering commitment to the mission.”

Lt. Gen. Healy, piloting the accompanying aircraft, highlighted the role of the Reserve forces in maintaining global mobility.

“The delivery of the 99th and 100th KC-46As underscores the Air Force Reserve’s ‘Ready Now’ commitment to airpower and rapid global mobility. Our combined Total Force ensures we can reach any spot in the world whenever and wherever our nation calls.”

Operational Status and Fleet Context

The KC-46A Pegasus is designed to replace the Air Force’s aging KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders. Manufactured by Boeing, the aircraft provides aerial refueling to most fixed-wing, receiver-capable aircraft, while also offering cargo, passenger, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities.

Combat Certification and Recent Missions

Since its first delivery to McConnell AFB in January 2019, the fleet has grown steadily over seven years. The aircraft received certification for worldwide deployment in September 2022. According to operational reports, the KC-46A has recently supported major combat operations in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.

Notably, the fleet supported “Operation Midnight Hammer” in June 2025, a strike operation involving B-2 bombers. Furthermore, in mid-2024, the KC-46A demonstrated its endurance capabilities during “Project Magellan,” a 45-hour non-stop circumnavigation flight designed to test extreme global reach.

Program Challenges and Industrial Landscape

While the 100th delivery is a celebration of progress, the program has faced significant hurdles. The KC-46A has historically contended with “Category 1 deficiencies,” most notably issues regarding the Remote Vision System (RVS) used by boom operators to refuel aircraft. Fixes, such as RVS 2.0, are currently being implemented or scheduled.

Financially, the program is governed by a fixed-price contract. Consequently, Boeing has absorbed approximately $7 billion in cost overruns associated with delays and technical corrections. Despite these challenges, the Air Force maintains a program of record for 179 aircraft, with recent acquisition strategies suggesting the fleet could eventually expand to 263 airframes under a “Tanker Production Extension.”

AirPro News Analysis

The arrival of the 100th KC-46A is more than a numerical achievement; it signals a shift from “developmental struggle” to “operational backbone.” For years, headlines regarding the Pegasus were dominated by technical deficiencies and financial losses. However, the active deployment of the airframe in operations like Midnight Hammer and the high-profile piloting by top AMC leadership suggests the Air Force considers the platform fully viable for modern conflict.

With Travis AFB now receiving these tankers, the focus shifts toward the Pacific. The base’s location is pivotal for potential operations in the Indo-Pacific region, where the KC-46A’s cargo and aeromedical versatility will be as critical as its fuel capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the KC-46A Pegasus?
The KC-46A is a multi-role tanker designed for aerial refueling, cargo transport, passenger movement, and aeromedical evacuation. It replaces the KC-135 and KC-10.

How many KC-46A aircraft does the Air Force plan to buy?
The current program of record calls for 179 aircraft. However, future acquisition plans could see this number rise to 263.

What bases currently operate the KC-46A?
The aircraft is operated by Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve units at bases including McConnell AFB (Kansas), Altus AFB (Oklahoma), Pease ANGB (New Hampshire), Seymour Johnson AFB (North Carolina), Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (New Jersey), and Travis AFB (California).

Sources

• Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)
• Air Mobility Command (AMC)

This article summarizes reporting by Investing.com.

Boeing Secures $104.4 Million Navy Contract for F/A-18 Cockpit Display Repairs

The Boeing Company has been awarded a $104.4 million contract by the U.S. Navy to provide critical repairs for cockpit display systems used in the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets. According to reporting by Investing.com and confirmed by Department of Defense contract announcements, the deal focuses on sustaining the advanced avionics that serve as the primary interface for naval aviators.

The agreement, issued by the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia, is a ceiling-priced delivery order under a previously established basic ordering agreement. The work is scheduled to continue through April 2028, ensuring the operational readiness of the Navy’s frontline tactical aircraft.

Scope of Work: Advanced Cockpit Systems

The contract specifically targets the repair of “Advanced Cockpit System” components, which are central to the Block III Super Hornet upgrades. Based on the technical specifications outlined in the award, the repairs cover two primary pieces of hardware:

• Large Area Displays (LAD): These 10×19-inch touchscreen high-definition screens replace traditional gauges and smaller multifunction displays, allowing pilots to manage data similarly to a tablet interface.
• Low Profile Head-Up Displays (LPHUD): These compact units project critical flight data into the pilot’s line of sight while physically accommodating the larger LAD screen in the instrument panel.

As noted in the Department of Defense announcement, the contract was awarded on a sole-source basis. The government cited 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1), a regulation used when services are available from only one responsible source. In this case, the proprietary nature of the display technology meant that only Boeing and its specific supply chain partners could fulfill the requirement.

Supply Chain and Location Breakdown

While Boeing is the prime contractor, the distribution of labor reveals that the bulk of the technical repair work will be performed by specialized subcontractors. According to the contract details, the work will be split across three primary locations:

• Fort Worth, Texas (70%): The majority of the work will occur here, which is the home of Elbit Systems of America. Elbit is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the Large Area Display, indicating that the actual component repairs are being handled by the technology’s creator.
• Talladega, Alabama (20%): This portion will be handled by International Enterprises Industries (IEI), a subsidiary of Elbit Systems known for avionics repair and legacy electronics sustainment.
• St. Louis, Missouri (10%): Boeing’s own defense facilities will handle the remaining share, likely focusing on program management, final integration, and quality assurance rather than component-level repair.

Funding and Fiscal Context

The Navy has obligated $53.2 million immediately at the time of the award. The funding structure utilizes a mix of sources, highlighting the sustainment nature of the deal:

• Fiscal 2026 Navy Working Capital Funds: The primary source of funding, used for routine maintenance and parts availability.
• Fiscal 2025 Navy Aircraft Procurement Funds
• Fiscal 2024 Air Force Procurement Funds

AirPro News Analysis

This contract underscores a critical reality in modern military aviation: the “vendor lock-in” inherent in proprietary high-tech systems. The sole-source justification confirms that once the Navy integrated the Advanced Cockpit System, a key selling point of the Block III Super Hornet, it became dependent on the original manufacturer for long-term sustainment. There is no competitive market for repairing these specific proprietary displays.

Furthermore, the use of Fiscal 2026 Working Capital Funds signals that the Navy is treating this as a standard “business” transaction to keep parts on the shelf. With delays impacting next-generation programs like the F/A-XX, keeping the existing fleet of Super Hornets fully mission-capable through 2028 and beyond is not just an option, but a strategic necessity.

Sources

• Investing.com
• U.S. Department of Defense

This article is based on an official press release from The Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Oklahoma ACES Program Secures Over $322 Million in New Investments

On December 2, 2025, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce announced a significant milestone for the state’s aerospace and defense sector. Through its Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES) program, the state has generated over $322 million in new capital investment and created more than 610 new jobs over the past year. These figures underscore Oklahoma’s aggressive strategy to transition from a maintenance hub to a leader in advanced manufacturing and commercial spaceflight.

According to the official announcement, the bulk of this growth stems from a major foreign direct investment by CBC Global Ammunition, alongside strategic expansions by Firehawk Aerospace, Kratos Defense, and Dawn Aerospace. The ACES program, which coordinates statewide delegations for national and international trade shows, reportedly facilitated these deals by helping 39 Oklahoma companies secure new contracts or expand operations.

The ACES Strategy: “Hunting as a Pack”

Established in 2018, the ACES program operates as a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. The program’s primary strategy, described by state officials as “hunting as a pack,” involves unifying state officials, private enterprises, and universities to present a cohesive front at global industry events.

Leshia Pearson, Director of Aerospace & Defense at the Department of Commerce, highlighted the efficacy of this unified approach in the press release:

“This year’s results are a direct testament to the power of a unified, strategic approach to economic development. Our ACES program not only provided a vital gateway for 39 Oklahoma companies to secure new contracts… but it also directly led to major wins like the $300 million foreign direct investment from CBC Global Ammunition.”

Major Investment Projects Breakdown

The $322 million investment total is driven by four primary projects that span the aerospace and defense supply chain, from ammunition manufacturing to next-generation propulsion.

CBC Global Ammunition

The largest portion of the announced investment comes from CBC Global Ammunition. The company is deploying $300 million to construct a vertically integrated manufacturing plant at the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor, Oklahoma. This facility is expected to create 350 jobs and will produce small-caliber ammunition ranging from 9mm to 12.7mm.

Fabio Mazzaro, President of CBC Global Ammunition, stated in the release:

“This facility will be a cornerstone for our future growth in the world’s most important market for small caliber ammunition… We envisage to build an industry-leading and fully vertically integrated company.”

The facility aims to produce all components in-house, including primers and propellant, to serve U.S. military and law enforcement markets.

Firehawk Aerospace

In the defense propulsion sector, Firehawk Aerospace is investing $22 million to build a 40,000-square-foot facility in Lawton/Fort Sill. This project is set to create 100 jobs and focuses on manufacturing hybrid rocket motors. The site will utilize 3D-printing technology for solid rocket fuel, a critical component for next-generation defense missiles.

Kratos Defense

Kratos Defense is expanding its footprint in Bristow with a new 50,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility. While the specific dollar amount for this expansion remains undisclosed in the public release, the project is expected to generate between 60 and 100 jobs. The facility will produce the GEK (GE Aerospace-Kratos) family of turbojet engines, with plans to eventually ramp up production to 500 engines annually.

Dawn Aerospace

Signaling growth in the commercial space sector, Dawn Aerospace has established a partnership to base its U.S. operations at the Oklahoma Air & Space Port in Burns Flat. The company plans to use the location for its Mk-II Aurora spaceplane, a reusable suborbital vehicle designed for microgravity research and earth observation.

AirPro News Analysis

The data released by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce suggests a strategic pivot in the state’s aerospace identity. Historically known as a global center for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), anchored by Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma appears to be successfully diversifying into active manufacturing and high-tech development.

We observe three key trends in this announcement:

• Vertical Integration: The CBC Global project reduces reliance on external supply chains for critical ammunition components like nitrocellulose.
• Next-Gen Defense: Investments by Firehawk and Kratos indicate a shift toward hypersonics, drones, and advanced propulsion systems rather than legacy airframe maintenance.
• Commercial Space Utility: The Burns Flat spaceport (one of only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the U.S.) for active flight operations, moving beyond testing into operational commercial spaceflight.

With the aerospace and defense sector already generating approximately $44 billion in annual economic activity for the state, these high-tech expansions are likely to increase the industry’s contribution to Oklahoma’s GDP, solidifying its status as the state’s second-largest industry behind energy.

Sources

• Oklahoma Department of Commerce