Israel expands aerial refueling fleet as it upgrades long-range air capabilities
Israel has received the second of six Boeing KC-46 refueling tankers, replacing its aging Boeing 707 fleet and giving the Air Force greater range, endurance and flexibility for operations in distant theaters.
The arrival of Israel’s second Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft marks another step in the Air Force’s effort to replace its aging tanker fleet and expand the range and endurance of its fighter jets, as the military prepares for operations across multiple fronts and at increasingly distant theaters.
The aircraft, known in the Israeli Air Force as the “Gideon,” was formally inaugurated on Thursday at Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel after arriving from the United States. Israel has ordered six KC-46s in total.
The new aircraft are intended to replace the Air Force’s fleet of Boeing 707 refueling planes, some of which have been in service for decades and played an important role in Israel’s recent wars against Iran.
The significance of the new tanker is less about the aircraft’s ability to fly long distances on its own than about what it allows Israel’s fighter jets to do once they are in the air. Aerial refueling extends the fighters’ operational range and allows them to remain airborne for longer periods, making missions that would otherwise exceed their organic fuel capacity possible.
The Israel Defense Forces said the arrival of the second aircraft represents a “significant enhancement” of the Air Force’s capabilities in a multi-front war and in operations in distant theaters.
The first KC-46 arrived at Nevatim on May 28, marking the establishment of the Air Force’s new HaGideon Squadron, also known as Squadron 46. The arrival followed years of preparations, including major infrastructure work at Nevatim to accommodate the aircraft.
The base’s renovations were carried out around the clock, including during ongoing combat operations, in cooperation with the United States. The preparations were necessary to accommodate the size and weight of the new aircraft.
The KC-46i Pegasus is based on Boeing’s 767 airframe and combines three roles that previously required separate capabilities: aerial refueling, transport and medical evacuation.
It can carry more than 200,000 pounds of fuel, about 15% more than the Air Force’s current Boeing 707 Re'em fleet. Its lower fuel consumption also allows it to conduct about 50% more refueling operations.
The aircraft can refuel multiple aircraft simultaneously, including two fighter jets at once. It uses an advanced boom system equipped with digital 3D vision as well as hose-and-drogue systems that allow it to refuel a broad range of aircraft.
The KC-46 is not limited to the tanker role. It can transport more than 30 tons of cargo while carrying personnel and equipment, and can also be used for medical evacuation.
Fuel is stored in tanks in the aircraft's wings and fuselage beneath the main deck. This leaves the upper deck available for operational use without compromising the aircraft's refueling capabilities.
The aircraft also incorporates advanced avionics and Israeli systems, which the Air Force says will further improve its adaptability and performance.
