TOPEKA (KSNT) – State officials report that Forbes Field Air National Guard Base may become the future home of KC-46A Pegasus aircraft.
Jane Welch with the Kansas Adjutant General’s Office announced in a press release that Forbes Field is in the running as one of four possible locations for the Air National Guard’s upcoming KC-46A Pegasus conversion. She said Maine’s Bangor Air National Guard Base, Mississippi’s Key Field Air National Guard Base and Ohio’s Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base are also being considered for the KC-46A Mission Operations Base 9 (MOB 9) basing action.
“Being selected as a candidate location is an important recognition of the capability, infrastructure and people that make Forbes Field an outstanding Air National Guard installation,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “We are proud of the men and women who serve at Forbes Field and will continue working with our military and community partners throughout this process.”
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – MARCH 08: A U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus refueling tanker is seen after taking off from Ben Gurion Airport on March 08, 2026 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Welch said MOB 9 will select the next Air National Guard location to transition from the KC-135 Stratotanker to the KC-46A Pegasus. The selected location is anticipated to receive eight KC-46A aircraft.
Gordon Ramsay bringing ‘Kitchen Nightmares’ to Topeka café
“Forbes Field is the absolute right place for basing the KC-46A Pegasus,” said Brig. Gen. Paul Schneider, the adjutant general. “The Kansas Airmen of the 190th Air Refueling Wing continue to set the standard for excellence, as demonstrated by their flawless execution during Operation Epic Fury, their ability to maintain personnel strength above 100% of authorized, and remarkable maintenance record. As the Secretary of the Air Force moves forward with the MOB 9 strategic basing process, the 190th stands ready to recapitalize their legacy KC-135s with the modern capability of eight KC-46A aircraft, ensuring Kansas remains the premier hub for global reach.”
Officials with the Air National Guard’s Basing and Conversions Division will conduct town hall meetings with each candidate location to talk about site-survey criteria and upcoming milestones.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
