The US Air Force’s newest aerial tanker, the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, has hit a roadblock with the congressional oversight that approves budgets and procurement. The projected procurement in 2026 was reportedly for over 250 of the new military-grade 767s.

Congress believed that unresolved engineering and performance deficiencies demand a throttle-back on that lofty number of new planes. The lawmakers have stated that extending retirement dates for the aging KC-135 Stratotanker until the Pegasus gets up to speed will be the best path ahead.

Refreshing The Tanker Fleet

In July, the USAF opted to skip a competition for new tanker models and reduce its investment in the stealthy Next-Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS) in favor of buying as many as 75 more KC-46s. Air and Space

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