The US Pentagon issued a statement announcing a $2.9 billion modification to a defence contract for KC-46 aircraft.

Boeing Co has been awarded a $2.9 billion modification to a U.S. defence contract for KC-46 aircraft, the Pentagon said in a statement on Monday.

The contract modification provides for the exercise of an option for an additional 18 KC-46 aircraft, plus two spare engines, five wing refuelling pod kits, initial spares and support equipment being produced under the basic contract, the statement said.