Israeli Air Force expands range with US-built refueling aircraft

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) received its second Boeing KC-46 aerial refueling aircraft on Friday, as the plane landed at Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel and joined 46 Squadron, which operates the new aircraft.

The arrival is part of Israel’s acquisition of six KC-46 refueling aircraft, which will expand the IAF's long-range capabilities. The aircraft can also be used to transport cargo and personnel.

The squadron, which was inaugurated earlier this year to operate the new aircraft type, is named “Gideon,” the same nickname given to the KC-46.

The KC-46 is based on the airframe of Boeing’s 767 passenger jet and can carry up to 90.7 tons of fuel. That is roughly 15% more than the estimated fuel capacity of Israel’s KC-707 “Re’em” refueling aircraft, although the IAF has modified some of its KC-707s since they were built by Boeing in the 1970s, meaning their current specifications may differ from the original configuration.

The IAF has operated the Boeing-built KC-707s, as well as a fleet of Lockheed Martin KC-130H tankers, for decades. Both types are approaching the end of their operational service lives.

Air Force officers have highlighted the age of the aircraft and the demands placed on them during long-range missions. The KC-707s and KC-130Hs have been used to refuel F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets during recent Israeli military operations, including operations involving Iran and Houthi forces in Yemen.

The Ministry of Defense signed an agreement in early 2022 for four KC-46 refueling aircraft, with an option to purchase up to four additional aircraft. The reported value of the initial deal was $930 million, making it one of the largest contracts ever signed by the ministry.

The United States Air Force currently operates 98 KC-46 refueling aircraft, while Japan operates six.

The arrival of the Israeli aircraft comes as the KC-46’s presence in the Middle East could expand, with the U.S. State Department this week approving the possible sale of up to four KC-46A aircraft to Qatar in a deal valued at approximately $4.5 billion.