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Senators press Air Force on KC‑46 deficiencies and delayed remote vision system rollout

5098189 · June 26, 2025
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Summary

Committee members pressed service leaders about remaining Category 1 deficiencies on the KC‑46A tanker and repeated schedule slips for the Remote Vision System, which the Air Force now expects to field in fourth quarter FY27.

Senators asked the Air Force detailed questions about the KC‑46A tanker and the Remote Vision System (RVS). Secretary Mink acknowledged persistent Category 1 deficiencies but said the KC‑46 continues to perform refueling missions and that work remains to resolve a handful of remaining issues.

Gen. David Allen and Secretary Mink said the RVS challenges are primarily software‑stability and related technical issues. The department now expects fixes and fielding by the fourth quarter of FY27 (summer/fall 2027), according to testimony; senators pressed for continued oversight and asked the Air Force to keep them apprised of progress.

Senators also asked about the upcoming tanker competition to replace the KC‑46A production contract. Secretary Mink said acquisition officials are leading that work and that a final award date would be provided by the acquisition office; he said the department expects to be able to make an award within months and that tanker sustainment and recapitalization remains a high priority.

Nut graf: The subcommittee signaled concern that delays in resolving KC‑46 deficiencies and RVS performance could affect refueling capacity and readiness; the Air Force said it remains operationally capable and expects RVS fixes by Q4 FY27 while acquisition timelines for the next tanker contract are still being finalized.

Discussion vs. decisions: The hearing documented continuing remediation efforts; no contract awards or operational decisions were announced on the public record. Senators requested follow‑ups and more precise schedules and milestones.

Ending: Senators requested regular updates from the department as RVS milestones approach and as the tanker acquisition competition progresses.