U.S. Denies Refueling Support to Israeli Air Force Amid Iran Combat Operations

The U.S. Department of Defense denies reports that American tanker aircraft provided aerial refueling support to Israeli Air Force fighters during 12 days of combat in Iran. However, international aviation experts expressed surprise at how the older tankers in Israel’s possession managed to handle the operational load.

According to a report published on the defense website War Zone, Israel operates KC-707 tankers that are decades old and not fully compatible with the newer F-35 models. Experts estimated that during recent strikes, these tankers were required to refuel hundreds of sorties by F-35, F-15, and F-16 aircraft, over a distance of approximately 1,500 kilometers from Israel to Iran—a significant logistical challenge.

Israeli defense officials note that coping with a shortage of modern tanker aircraft is managed by using additional fuel tanks, careful flight route planning, and extensive use of long-range weapon systems (STANDOFF). These systems allow for attacks from a distance, reducing time spent in hostile airspace and lessening the need for aerial refueling.

In F-15 and F-16 operations, the aircraft are equipped with conformal and detachable fuel tanks, which increase their operational range.

According to American experts, Israeli Air Force pilots are trained in very precise flight formations to save fuel on long sorties. Regarding the stealthy F-35 aircraft, U.S. assessments indicate software adjustments and improvements to internal fuel tanks have been made, enabling them to fly longer distances without refueling.

Defense sources estimate that the Israeli Air Force’s refueling capabilities will remain a major challenge until the arrival of the new KC-46A models purchased from the U.S. “It is a constant race between the need to extend operational range and technological limitations,” a former Air Force planning officer told the Financial Times.