Boeing Awarded New Apache Helicopter And Pegasus Tanker Contracts

Core Insights - The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Boeing two contracts totaling over $7 billion, despite NASA reducing the scope of the Boeing Starliner program [2] Contract Details - The contracts include $4.69 billion for additional Apache helicopters for the U.S. Army and $2.47 billion for 15 more KC-46 Pegasus aerial refuelers for the U.S. Air Force [3] - The Apache helicopters will be produced at Boeing's facilities in Mesa, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2032 [4] - The KC-46 contract is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2029, with work performed in Seattle, Washington [5] Apache Helicopter Insights - The AH-64E Apache is the latest variant, with over 1,280 units in service and more than five million flight hours logged [6] - The Apache has been widely deployed in various conflicts, gaining recognition during the Gulf War in 1991 [7] - The new contract extends the Apache production program into the early 2030s, with expectations for service longevity into the 2060s [8] KC-46 Pegasus Insights - Development of the KC-46A Pegasus began in 2011, and it was selected to replace the aging KC-135 Stratotankers [9] - The new Lot 12 contract will not exceed the 183-aircraft cap imposed by Congress until design deficiencies are addressed [10] - There is speculation that the Air Force may cancel its Next Generation Aerial Refueler program in favor of the KC-46 once issues are resolved [11] Strategic Importance - The KC-46's advanced capabilities and increased reliability are seen as essential for meeting future operational demands [12]