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Topeka

Forbes Field Named Candidate for KC-46A Basing

Topeka's Air National Guard base is competing to host eight new Pegasus refueling aircraft for the Air Force.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Military

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a heavy-lift refueling aircraft against a vast sky, representing potential military infrastructure expansion.
The U.S. Air Force has identified Forbes Field in Topeka as a primary candidate site to host eight new KC-46A Pegasus refueling aircraft. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Air Force has selected Forbes Field in Topeka as a candidate site for Mission Operations Base 9. This selection designates the local base as a potential future home for eight new KC-46A Pegasus refueling aircraft.

Why it matters

The Air Force is working to replace its aging fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers, which have been in service for more than 60 years. Modernizing these assets is a key part of maintaining long-range refueling capabilities for military operations.

Forbes Field is one of four locations competing for the mission, alongside Bangor, Key Field, and Rickenbacker air bases. If selected, the site would receive eight KC-46A Pegasus aircraft to replace the current KC-135 tankers.

The players

190th Air Refueling Wing

This Kansas Air National Guard unit operates tankers and is currently deployed to the Middle East.

Forbes Field

This Topeka-based military facility serves as a host for Air National Guard operations.

Secretary of the Air Force

This official leads the Department of the Air Force and is overseeing the strategic basing process.

The details

The 190th Air Refueling Wing, which is currently deployed to the Middle East for the Iran war, operates the base's existing fleet. Forbes Field previously competed for Mission Operations Base 7 in 2024 and 2025, but that selection ultimately went to McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base.

Timeline

  1. 2019: First KC-46A Pegasus delivered to McConnell Air Force Base.

  2. 2024: Forbes Field announced as a candidate for Mission Operations Base 7.

  3. 2025: Forbes Field competed for the Mission Operations Base 7 selection.

  4. September 25, 2026: Forbes Field selected as a candidate for Mission Operations Base 9.

Political Context

This basing action follows the broader trajectory of the KC-46A Pegasus fleet transition program as the Air Force retires legacy tankers. Opponents or rival regions may raise concerns regarding the economic impact of base selection or the specific allocation of military resources away from existing hubs.

The potential selection could bring significant infrastructure upgrades and long-term federal investment to the Topeka area. Residents should note that the basing decision remains part of a competitive process involving multiple states and base locations.

The takeaway

The Air Force is prioritizing the integration of modern tanker aircraft to maintain military readiness across global theaters. Local communities competing for these missions must demonstrate operational capacity to support the technical requirements of the new aircraft.

Further reading

For more background on regional defense developments, visit the Military section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Topeka Capital-Journal.

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