U.S. KC-46A Tanker Planes to get Upgraded Communication Capabilities

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing $184 million to enhance the KC-46A advanced communications capabilities through a Block 1 upgrade.

Upgrades include line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications technologies with anti-jamming and encryption features. These capabilities will further enhance the data and communications connectivity the KC-46A provides to joint and allied forces for battlespace situational awareness.

The KC-46A already offers more secure communications and more data integration than any tanker, giving the crew and fleet situational awareness for real-time decision making.

In 2022, the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) approved the KC-46A for global combat operations. The KC-46A has demonstrated connectivity and situational awareness.