Initially the first batch of replacement planes was to be an air tanker version of the Boeing 767; instead of outright purchase, as is the usual practice, the Air Force would lease them from Boeing.
Initially the first batch of replacements was to be an air tanker version of the Boeing 767, which was selected over the Airbus 330-based tanker. Instead of outright purchase, as is the usual practice, the Air Force would lease the 767 tankers from Boeing.