The decision more than doubles the Israeli Air Force’s ability to carry out operations in the so-called “third circle,” including Iran and Yemen. Israel’s current refueling fleet relies on aging Ram aircraft—modified Boeing 707s nearly 60 years old—that were supposed to be replaced a decade ago, but political gridlock and budget shortfalls delayed the upgrade.
The first KC-46 is expected to arrive in Israel within six months, with the rest—including the two new additions—arriving gradually by 2030. The older Ram aircraft may remain in service for several years to support the new fleet and expand operational flexibility.
The new tankers, to be named “Gideon” in Hebrew service, will be the largest aircraft in the air force and will carry Israeli-made operational systems. The additional deal is valued at about $500 million and will be funded by U.S. military aid.
Israel will become the first country in the Middle East to operate the KC-46, which is already a mainstay of the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft features faster and more advanced refueling systems, compatibility with all fighter jet models and even other tankers, and a unique boom design supported by advanced technology.
With six KC-46 tankers alongside the Ram fleet, the air force believes it will be able to maintain almost continuous air presence over Iran, effectively “living in Iranian skies” and imposing aerial pressure on Tehran. This would give Israel unprecedented control at low altitude over a regional power located some 1,500 kilometers away and vastly larger than Israel.
Officials estimate that the expanded tanker fleet will dramatically increase daily strike sorties, provide greater flexibility for other units such as UAV squadrons, and shorten future combat rounds. Battles that once stretched over a week could be compressed into just days, with fewer risks to aircraft.
“In June, Israel carried out about 3,500 strikes across Iran over two weeks,” an air force source said. “In the future, the same scope could be achieved in a week or less, thanks to the added tankers.”
Baram said the new aircraft would strengthen “the air force—the long strategic arm of the IDF—to reach faraway arenas with greater power and scale. We will continue working to bolster the IDF for the current campaign and the challenges ahead.”
Ido Nehushtan, president of Boeing Israel and a former air force commander, said: “Boeing is proud of its long-standing partnership with Israel, which dates back to the country’s founding. Adding two more KC-46s will further strengthen Israel’s aerial refueling capabilities with the most advanced tankers in the world.”
