# Air Force Names Key Field KC-46 Finalist

On September 29, 2026, the U.S. Air Force named Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi, one of four preferred locations for future KC-46 aircraft basing. Final evaluations are ongoing, and the Air Force has not made a final basing decision or announced a contract value, solicitation, or procurement contact. If selected, the location could generate requirements for installation infrastructure, modernization, and aircraft support, but no specific procurement opportunity has been identified yet.

- Contractors in military construction, airfield facilities, modernization, and aircraft support can assess relevant capabilities for a potential future requirement at Key Field.
- The finalist designation is not an award or final site selection; companies should not treat it as a confirmed procurement or basing decision.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Air Force (USAF)
- U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF)
- 186th Air Refueling Wing (186th ARW)

### Sources
- [MISSISSIPPI DELEGATION APPLAUDS KEY FIELD SELECTION AS A KC-46 FINALIST | Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith](https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/mississippi-delegation-applauds-key-field-selection-kc-46-finalist) - Hydesmith Senate