<p>Boeing Co delivered its first KC-46A aircraft to Japan, the company said on Sunday, the first delivery of the aerial refueling jet to a customer outside the United States, as growing tensions with China spur Japan to ramp up defense spending.</p>.<p>The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) took delivery of the jet under a contract first signed in 2017. Boeing in a statement called the delivery a "significant milestone" for US-Japan cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="www.deccanherald.com/international/indicted-ex-boeing-pilot-says-he-is-a-scapegoat-in-max-scandal-1041039.html" target="_blank">Indicted ex-Boeing pilot says he is a 'scapegoat' in MAX scandal</a></strong></p>.<p>The US Air Force and JASDF initially awarded a contract for one KC-46A, but have since exercised options for three more of the jets. Boeing touts the aircraft as its most state-of-the-art refueling tanker, equipped with advanced sensors and capable of carrying cargo and passengers as it refuels other planes.</p>.<p>Still, the KC-46 line used by the US Air Force has run into performance snags, including defects with an on-board video system.</p>.<p>Sunday's delivery comes at a tense time for Japan, as it looks to counter China's military assertiveness in Asia.</p>.<p>The country's ruling party - which defied expectations by maintaining a majority in Sunday's parliamentary election - has pledged to double defense spending as public sentiment grows increasingly wary of China.</p>.<p>Japan's military strategy is focused on defending territory along the edge of the East China Sea, where it is locked in a dispute with the Chinese government over a group of uninhabited islands. </p>.<p><strong>Check out latest DH videos here:</strong></p>
<p>Boeing Co delivered its first KC-46A aircraft to Japan, the company said on Sunday, the first delivery of the aerial refueling jet to a customer outside the United States, as growing tensions with China spur Japan to ramp up defense spending.</p>.<p>The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) took delivery of the jet under a contract first signed in 2017. Boeing in a statement called the delivery a "significant milestone" for US-Japan cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="www.deccanherald.com/international/indicted-ex-boeing-pilot-says-he-is-a-scapegoat-in-max-scandal-1041039.html" target="_blank">Indicted ex-Boeing pilot says he is a 'scapegoat' in MAX scandal</a></strong></p>.<p>The US Air Force and JASDF initially awarded a contract for one KC-46A, but have since exercised options for three more of the jets. Boeing touts the aircraft as its most state-of-the-art refueling tanker, equipped with advanced sensors and capable of carrying cargo and passengers as it refuels other planes.</p>.<p>Still, the KC-46 line used by the US Air Force has run into performance snags, including defects with an on-board video system.</p>.<p>Sunday's delivery comes at a tense time for Japan, as it looks to counter China's military assertiveness in Asia.</p>.<p>The country's ruling party - which defied expectations by maintaining a majority in Sunday's parliamentary election - has pledged to double defense spending as public sentiment grows increasingly wary of China.</p>.<p>Japan's military strategy is focused on defending territory along the edge of the East China Sea, where it is locked in a dispute with the Chinese government over a group of uninhabited islands. </p>.<p><strong>Check out latest DH videos here:</strong></p>