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March Air Reserve Base Gets $134 Million Upgrade for KC‑46 Pegasus

The historic March Air Reserve Base in California begins a $134 million construction project, adding a two‑bay KC‑46 Pegasus hangar, upgraded training facilities, and more to support the next generation of aerial refueling.
14 February 2026 by
TechStora Editorial Board

Introduction

March Air Reserve Base (ARB) in Riverside County, California, a century‑old installation, has launched a major construction effort to accommodate the U.S. Air Force’s newest aerial refueling platform, the KC‑46 Pegasus.

Historical Background

Founded in 1918, just 15 years after the Wright brothers’ first flight, March ARB has evolved from early aviation training to a hub for air mobility. Since the 1980s the base has operated successive tanker models, including the KC‑135 Stratotanker and KC‑10 Extender.

Upgrade Overview

The $134 million project, awarded to Harper Construction Company Inc., focuses on a purpose‑built two‑bay hangar and associated support facilities designed for the KC‑46A. The work began on 16 December 2025 and is expected to span roughly three years.

  • Construction of a reinforced‑concrete, steel‑frame hangar capable of housing two KC‑46A aircraft simultaneously.
  • Upgrades to Building 1244 for fuselage training, cargo pallet storage, classrooms, and briefing rooms.
  • Installation of modern utilities, fire‑suppression, fall‑protection, and hazardous‑material storage systems.
  • Site preparation, demolition of obsolete structures, airfield striping, and new KC‑46 mooring points.

Hangar Details

The new hangar will accommodate two KC‑46A tankers, each with a 156‑foot wingspan and a length of 165.5 feet. Features include insulated metal walls, a steel roof system, and integrated utilities to meet the aircraft’s operational demands.

Building 1244 Improvements

Building 1244 will receive extensive renovations to support training and logistics:

  • New classrooms and a briefing room for crew instruction.
  • Expanded office space for support personnel.
  • Upgraded HVAC and fire‑suppression systems.

Project Timeline & Funding

The contract value is $134 million, reflecting the awarded scope. Earlier solicitation documents cited estimates up to $250 million, a common practice in DoD construction to accommodate phased funding and potential scope changes.

Conclusion

With this upgrade, March ARB reinforces its legacy as a cornerstone of American airpower, ensuring the base remains ready to support the next generation of aerial refueling missions for decades to come.