KC-46A Recapitalization

Priority

Air National Guard

Problem

The Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker fleet requires continued funding for modernization and KC-46 Pegasus recapitalization to ensure its aircraft can successfully engage in overseas contingency operations and respond to homeland emergencies well into the future.

Recommendation

The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) strongly urges Congress to:

4 KC-46A Aircraft designated for the Air National Guard

Background

The Air National Guard aerial refueling tanker fleet is comprised of both the KC-135, which is over 60 years old, and the newer KC-46 aircraft. Currently, the Air National Guard possesses 37% of the Department of the Air Force refueling capacity, yet is only programmed to receive 19% of the Air Force KC-46 fleet. Because the need for this critical aerial refueling capability is essential for any contingency operations, it is crucial to modernize the Air National Guard KC-135 fleet with modern technology while continuing to recapitalize its aging tanker fleet with new KC-46 aircraft. Funding critical modernization efforts will ensure the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of the Air National Guard KC-135 fleet, both at home and abroad, while we continue emphasizing the need for additional KC-46 procurement for the Air National Guard. To date, only the New Hampshire Air National Guard has fully recapitalized from the KC-135 to the KC-46, with both Michigan and Tennessee both programmed to receive KC-46 aircraft in the near future. The remaining 14 states including Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wisconsin remain flying the KC-135 aircraft. Continued support by Congress to recapitalize these remaining 14 states with KC-46 Pegasus remains a top priority for NGAUS.