Printed from https://fiscalreceipts.com/program/0401218F/ — built September 26, 2026. Every figure is citation-backed; see the page online for per-number provenance.
KC-135s
Watch this program
Budget figures
$43.0M one-time reconciliation. Discretionary change vs FY2025 enacted: -100.0%.
Two official figures, one label— reconciled below
Fiscal Receipts uses P-1/R-1 workbook total obligation authority (TOA) as the headline figure sitewide. The workbook TOA includes budget rows that the R-2/P-40 J-book program line excludes — advance procurement in an ordinary year, and in FY2026 the one-time reconciliation appropriation as well. Each row below names the one it is. How the two bases relate →
FY26 Request · $43.0M TOA − $0 J-book line (a zero-dollar XML line) = 43.0M (43.0 − 0.0 = 43.0) — $43.0M of one-time FY2026 reconciliation money accounts for this gap — not advance procurement
Figures in the sentence are rounded for reading; the parenthesised arithmetic is the same subtraction in USD millions, at the precision where it closes.
FY2026 award data is a partial year — USAspending reports awards on a rolling basis, and this corpus runs through 2026-09-04. why partial FY2026 data? →
Budget trajectory
| Fiscal year | Amount |
|---|---|
| FY24 | $71.9M |
| FY25 | $9.90M |
| FY26 | $43.0M |
All series figures: R-1 TOA · PB2026
Decade view
P-1/R-1 workbook TOA basis, shown compact in $B/$M (the workbook records USD thousands); each figure cites its own President's Budget edition
The vertical scale does not start at zero: the baseline sits just below this program’s smallest year, so a low point on this line is not a small amount. Read the shape for direction and the grid below for the figures.
● actuals (line) · ○ enacted · ◇ request — gaps are editions the program is absent from, never interpolated.
| Series | FY16 | FY17 | FY18 | FY19 | FY20 | FY21 | FY22 | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 | FY26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuals | $0 | $0 | $8.64M | $2.69M | $0 | $4.58M | $3.46M | $18.4M | $71.9M | ||
| Enacted | – | $0 | $9.94M | $3.49M | $0 | $4.58M | $3.56M | $13.0M | $51.1M | $9.90M | |
| Request | – | $9.94M | $3.49M | $0 | $4.59M | $3.56M | $13.0M | $51.1M | $32.0M | $43.0M |
blank = series not published for this year; – = absent from that edition.
Asked vs spent: the PB2024 book requested $51.1M for FY2024; the PB2026 book reported $71.9M as actual total obligation authority — $20.7M above the request. 71.85 − 51.10 = 20.75 USD millions — the compact figures above are rounded for reading.
Program lineage
No predecessor/successor lineage was recorded for this program element — no FY-to-FY transfer into or out of this line was stated in the ingested J-books, and none was inferred from the program structure.
Description
Mission — KC-135 Upgrades
The C/KC-135 is the only fully operational tanker in the Air Force inventory and also the oldest fleet by average age. In FY 2024, USAF C/KC-135s offloaded 70,727,162 gallons of fuel to refuel 36,515 aircraft (9% increase from FY 2023) in support of global operations. As a cargo aircraft, the C/KC-135 can carry six (6) standard 463-L pallets. RDT&E efforts include but are not limited to Mobile User Objective System, COMM2 Crypto & Data, High Frequency Modernization, and Center Console Refresh. Modernization funding is necessary to ensure the C/KC-135 fleet continues to support global aerial refueling operations through 2050 and beyond Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) integration and test for MUOS-capable radios on Block 45 aircraft in the COMM 3 position with Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) Integrated Waveform (IW) and LOS SATURN capability with HAVE QUICK II backward compatibility. The C/KC-135 fleet must comply with the National Security Agency (NSA) mandate or will lose secure communications, which significantly degrades its ability to support worldwide operations. The ARC-210 Gen 3 radios have Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and will become obsolete on the CEASEKEY date. Requirements include AMC's 10-050 Crypto, 15-046 MUOS, 16-053 SATURN, and 17-039 IW. This modification is part to the USAF Radio and Crypto Modernization Plan (RCMP) for crypto modernization as directed by CSAF in Nov 2022 and DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) in 2016. Center Console Refresh (CCR) replaces the Flight Display System (FDS) and Fuel System (FS) that is facing parts obsolescence issues and will render the aircraft non mission capable. The Integrated Fuel Management Panel (IFMP) and Fuel Management Advisory Computer (FMAC) are no longer procurable with limited repair capability. The Multi-Function Displays (MFD) are out of production with a limited cache of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) glass. The A11 card within the Control Display Unit (CDU) is obsolete and no repair capability exists at this time. Current organizational maintenance cannibalization efforts and repair contracts have extended the service life and reduced fleet impacts from original projections. High Frequency (HF) Modernization includes integration and test to replace legacy HF radio with a modernized HF radio on C/KC-135 aircraft. A modernized HF communications capability is necessary to enable future sustainability and growth to operate in satellite communications (SATCOM) denied environment while maintaining global, secure voice and data between Mobility Air Forces (MAF) aircraft and command and control (C2) agencies to exchange classified information and require AMC 18-100 Modernized HF. This modification is part of the USAF RCMP for crypto modernization as directed by CSAF in Nov 2022 and DoD CIO in 2016. COMM2 Crypto and Data: Replaces the legacy Airborne Radio Communications (ARC)-210 Generation (Gen) 3 and Very High Frequency (VHF) Data Link (VDL)-2000 systems in the Communications (COMM) 2 position. The ARC-210 Gen 3 is replaced with the ARC-210 Gen 6, providing modern cryptographic Line-of-Sight (LoS) secure voice, Second Generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) capability, and HAVE QUICK II backward compatibility through 2040. The VDL-2000 is replaced with the VHF-4000(E), enhancing COMM 2 civil data links. After the ARC-210 Gen 3's Cryptographic Equipment Authorized for Secure Keying (CEASEKEY) date, continued use risks mission degradation due to unsecure voice/data communications, loss of anti-jam capabilities, and limited legacy radio maintenance support. This will jeopardize critical air refueling and communication support for global operations. MAF connectivity enables tankers to connect to the Joint fight to close kill chains and logistics chains. Possible capabilities include, but are not limited to, intelligent gateways, antennas, radios, software updates, crew displays, and multiple aperture array housings. Hybrid SATCOM capability for airborne platforms relies on the employment of multi-band, multi-orbit SATCOM terminals to switch between both Government and Commercial satellites. Hybrid SATCOM terminals will provide airborne platforms with secure tactical communications by offering switching between five to ten distinct constellations. This flexibility of connectivity provides a high resiliency against anti-SATCOM threats, including jamming. The ability to selectively move between different satellite constellations (LEO/MEO/GEO) leverages the strengths of each constellation while the ability to switch between constellations within the Ku and Ka bands offers security of communications. The WXR-701 system, a Rockwell Collins product, is experiencing insurmountable Diminishing Manufacturing Source and Material Shortages (DMSMS). Rockwell Collins has provided a discontinuing of repair letter to the supply chain regarding the WXR-701. The purpose of this 1067 is to identify a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) solution for replacement of the WXR-701 Color Weather Radar. Encompasses C/KC-135 Operational System Development, continued support for activities including but not limited to Survivability, Innovation, and support for demonstrations, operational assessments, exercises, test and evaluation, and airworthiness to quantify the effectiveness of temporary and permanent solutions. The FY 2026 request for KC-135 program includes $0.000 thousand of discretionary and $43,000 thousand of mandatory (reconciliation) for a total of $43,000 thousand. The mandatory funds Center Console Refresh (CCR), Hybrid SATCOM, Color Weather Radar and MAF connectivity efforts. Further information for this reconciliation request is provided in Section 20007 (Air Superiority) of the Reconciliation Exhibit. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program's funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, and 0606398F. In FY 2024, $1.482 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025, $1.655 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Justification
Accomplishments & Planned Programs (6)
KC-135 MUOS radio
The KC-135 COMM 3 position requires an upgraded radio with MUOS (Mobile User Objective System), IW (Integrated Waveform), SATURN (Second-generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO) capabilities and BLOS and LOS secure voice and data connectivity. This upgrade derives from an NSA cryptographic modernization mandate and DoD MUOS/SATURN transition directive. The KC-135 MUOS radio program replaces the existing ARC-210 Gen 3 radio with a cryptographic modernized, MUOS-capable, ARC-210 Gen 6 radio. Integration of this new radio requires remote control unit, high power amplifier, low noise amplifier, SATCOM antenna, software and associated wiring and hardware.
KC-135 Winglets
Program was terminated to support Administration priorities during Fiscal Year 2026 President's Budget Request.
Center Console Refresh
Center Console Refresh (CCR) replaces the Flight Display System (FDS) and Fuel System (FS) that is facing parts obsolescence issues and will render the aircraft non mission capable. The Integrated Fuel Management Panel (IFMP) and Fuel Management Advisory Computer (FMAC) are no longer procurable with limited repair capability. The Multi-Function Displays (MFD) are out of production with a limited cache of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) glass. The A11 card within the Control Display Unit (CDU) is obsolete and no repair capability exists at this time. Current organizational maintenance cannibalization efforts and repair contracts have extended the service life and reduced fleet impacts from original projections.
High Frequency Modernization
This modification replaces the legacy HF radio with a modernized HF radio on KC-135 aircraft to operate in a SATCOM-denied environment while maintaining global, secure voice/data between Mobility Air Forces' aircraft and command and control (C2) agencies to exchange classified information. This complies with DoD directive to modernize HF capability. This form fit radio replaces the current ARC-190 radio with the new ARC-260 radio.
COMM2 Crypto and Data Program
Replaces the legacy Airborne Radio Communications (ARC)-210 Generation (Gen) 3 and Very High Frequency (VHF) Data Link (VDL)-2000 systems in the Communications (COMM) 2 position. The ARC-210 Gen 3 is replaced with the ARC-210 Gen 6, providing modern cryptographic Line-of-Sight (LoS) secure voice, Second Generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) capability, and HAVE QUICK II backward compatibility through 2040. The VDL-2000 is replaced with the VHF-4000(E), enhancing COMM 2 civil data links. After the ARC-210 Gen 3's Cryptographic Equipment Authorized for Secure Keying (CEASEKEY) date, continued use risks mission degradation due to unsecure voice/data communications, loss of anti-jam capabilities, and limited legacy radio maintenance support. This will jeopardize critical air refueling and communication support for global operations.
MAF Connectivity
Capabilities using the KC-135 to develop MAF Connectivity path forward as the tanker needs to be able to connect to the Joint fight to close kill chains and logistics chains. Possible capabilities include, but are not limited to, intelligent gateways, antennas, radios, software updates, crew displays, and multiple aperture array housings. Lays foundational baseline.
Budget line items(workbook-cited)
P-1/R-1 workbook Total Obligation Authority basis (USD thousands) · PB2026.
Exhibit R-1
| Account | Org | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY24 Actuals | $71.9M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY25 Enacted | $9.90M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY25 Total | $9.90M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY26 Reconciliation | $43.0M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY26 Total | $43.0M |
Budget Details(R-2/P-40 facts)
J-book detail basis (R-2/P-40, USD millions) · PB2026 — a different accounting basis from the P-1/R-1 workbook TOA above; where the two disagree, the reconciliation strip under Budget figures shows both.
Wider than this screen — swipe the table sideways for the remaining fiscal-year columns.
| Project | All Prior Years | FY24 Actuals | FY25 Total | FY26 Base | FY26 Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Element | $0 | $71.9M | $9.90M | $0 | $0 |
| 675261: KC-135 Upgrades | $0 | $71.9M | $9.90M | $0 | $0 |
Follow the dollar
Appropriation → program element → top high-confidence awards → recipient families → congressional districts.
Follow-the-dollar covers 312 of 1,938 programs — only high-confidence budget→award links are shown. why coverage is partial? →
The diagram illustrates the cited table below — amounts shown in the diagram are transaction sums per award (no citation chips); the per-district obligations in the table cite USAspending queries.
| District | Program obligations |
|---|---|
| IA-02 | $13.8M |
Related awards
Award linkage is shown for 32 of 200 profiled companies — high- and medium-confidence USAspending matches, each row labeled; medium is the weaker evidence. why partial award coverage? →
| Recipient | PIID | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. | FA810521D0002 | high |
| ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. | FA810525FB001 | high |
Contractor concentration
No concentration index is published for this line. This line's high-confidence links do not clear the floor for a published concentration index — at least 3 awards across 2 contractor families holding positive obligations, with positive net linked dollars. An index below that floor is a fact about the sample, not about the market. Whatever further links this line carries are medium-confidence, and what each medium evidence path does and does not establish is set out in the methodology. Both bases are in the downloadable warehouse.
Lobbying mentions
No Senate LDA lobbying filing in the tracked data mentions this program element by code or alias.
Oversight
Department-level designation (not specific to this program)
GAO lists 5 high-risk areas for DOD as a whole. That designation covers the department, not KC-135s. No program-specific GAO finding for this line is in the ingested data. See the DOD oversight record.
Program dossier
No research dossier for this program — dossiers cover 50 of 1,938 programs, the largest fully J-book-detailed lines by FY2026 requested dollars. why no dossier here? →
Primary sources
Open any budget figure for its exact receipt. Verified line items lead with the highlighted government PDF; original spreadsheets download with their budget edition and exhibit in the filename.
Budget totals · TOA sources
FY2026 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J763
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2026_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2018 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J749
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2018_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2019 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J776
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2019_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2020 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J765
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2020_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2021 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J789
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2021_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2022 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J756
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2022_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2023 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J726
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2023_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2024 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J722
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2024_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2025 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J743
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2025_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
Detailed budget justification
The related TOA spreadsheets above use a different accounting basis from R-2/P-40 detail. Their amounts are not assumed to match these detailed sources.
FY2026 Air Force Research and Development Test and Evaluation, Vol. I · www.saffm.hq.af.mil
PDF page 24