Israel Expands Aerial Refueling Fleet with Two Additional Boeing KC-46 Aircraft

Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, has instructed the IMOD Mission to the U.S. to sign a contract with the U.S. Government for the procurement of the fifth and sixth refueling aircraft for the Israeli Air Force. The aircraft, manufactured by Boeing, will be purchased once approval is granted by the Israel Defense Procurement Ministerial Committee.

This follow-on agreement adds two advanced KC-46 refueling aircraft to the four previously purchased, expanding the Israeli Air Force’s new tanker fleet to six aircraft in total. The planes will be equipped with Israeli systems and customized to meet the Air Force’s operational requirements.

The deal is valued at approximately half a billion USD and will be financed through U.S. military aid. It marks a significant milestone in the ongoing force buildup that the Defense Ministry is advancing for the IDF.

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram stated: “The fifth and sixth refueling aircraft will strengthen the IAF—the IDF's long-range strategic arm—enabling it to project power to distant theaters with greater reach and capacity. We will continue working together to reinforce the IDF both in the current campaign and in preparation for future challenges.”

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Ido Nehushtan, President of Boeing Israel, added: “Boeing takes pride in its longstanding partnership with Israel, a relationship that dates back to the nation’s establishment. The KC-46A tanker aircraft will provide the world’s most advanced multi-mission aerial refueling capability to the IAF.”