U.S. Air Force: ~$32.0B for the air-refueling modernization program (KC-X = KC-46) — a contract with Boeing (USAspending)
The U.S. Air Force awarded a contract for its aerial-refueling modernization program "KC-X" (the current KC-46 Pegasus) to Boeing. The value is about $32.0 billion ($31,960,918,249) — a major program to replace the aging tanker fleet.
Contract key facts
- RecipientBoeing
- Contract value$31,972,918,249 (≈$31.97B)
- BranchAir Force
- Awarding agencyDepartment of Defense
- Awarding sub-agencyDepartment of the Air Force
- Award typeDEFINITIVE CONTRACT
- Period of performance2011-02-24 〜 2027-07-31
- Contract ID (PIID)FA862511C6600
The amount cited in the write-up ($31,960,918,249) is the figure at the time of writing. After later modifications the record now shows $31,972,918,249 (the details above are current).
Contract scope (original)
KC-X MODERNIZATION PROGRAM
Key points
- U.S. Air Force ordered the "KC-X" aerial-refueling modernization program
- Awarded to Boeing (materialized as the KC-46 Pegasus)
- Value ~$32.0B ($31,960,918,249), definitive contract, Feb 2011–Jul 2027
- Replacing the aging KC-135 fleet = a high-priority Air Force investment
- About $32 billion is close to seven times the $4,725.47 million median across the 207 Department of Defense contracts held as of 2026-09-01.
1KC-X tanker modernization
This contract covers the KC-X Modernization Program for aerial refueling tankers.
2Replacing the aging KC-135
KC-X is the Air Force acquisition program to replace its long-serving, aging aerial-refueling tankers (the KC-135). It materialized as the KC-46 "Pegasus," a new tanker based on the Boeing 767 airliner. Aerial refueling underpins the range and reach of fighters and transports, making tanker-fleet renewal a high-priority Air Force investment.
3A large investment in aerial logistics
This contract is among the largest DoD federal contracts this site has compiled — showing that, alongside naval shipbuilding, Air Force aircraft procurement is at the core of U.S. defense spending.
4Where $32 billion sits in the distribution
Where does the scale of this contract fall among the defence contracts this site holds? Placed in the distribution, it sits toward the upper end even among those called large.
KC-X is the Air Force program to replace the ageing KC-135 tanker fleet it has flown for decades, realised as the KC-46 Pegasus based on the Boeing 767 airliner. Aerial refuelling underpins the range and reach of fighters and transports alike, making renewal of the tanker force a high-priority investment. Alongside ships, aircraft procurement sits at the core of US defence spending.
Why it matters
A read on the scale and buyers of Air Force aircraft procurement. Useful for aerospace/defense supply chains and readers tracking the U.S. government market and security trends.
FAQ
What data is this?
Is the amount final?
What is KC-X?
Sources (primary)
This article is an independent organization based on the U.S. official spending data below. Verify the exact, latest details with the official source.
- USAspending (award details)
- Contract ID (PIID)：FA862511C6600