Air Force Secretary Michael Donley told lawmakers Thursday that the service will begin looking at the first beddown of the KC-46A aerial refueling tanker “later this year,” but he cautioned that a full basing plan for all 179 tankers could take “over a decade to play out.” Donley told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that he doesn’t want to “tie the hands of future commanders” by committing to a particular location too soon, so the service likely will revisit the issue every couple of years. “There are a number of tanker bases that are interested in getting in on the first block. We understand that and we will work through this process very diligently,” Donley said. Just as with the F-35 strike fighter beddown, the Air Force will most likely consider the needs of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command as it decides where the first tankers should go, he said. (See also Air Force Picks Boeing Tanker and Cleared for Takeoff)
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
