The Japanese Air Defense Forces are adding two aircraft to an existing order of four Boeing KC-46A tanker aircraft. Japan has thus ordered a total of six copies from the US manufacturer.

According to official information, the value of the additional order is around 398 million US dollars. Deliveries are expected to be completed by around 2030. "This additional KC-46A order strengthens the US-Japan security alliance in promoting safety and stability throughout the Pacific Rim," Boeing Japan President Will Shaffer said in the company's press release.

Japan initially ordered four KC-2016 tanker aircraft in 46 and was the first international customer at the time. Two copies each have already been delivered in 2021 and 2022. Further units are planned for the following years. The pattern was repeatedly criticized because Boeing had to struggle with technical defects. In the meantime, Israel and Japan, among others, have ordered this. Other states should also think loudly about the purchase.