Israeli military receives 2nd US-made refueling aircraft out of 6 purchased

The Israeli military said Friday it had received the second of six US-made refueling aircraft set to arrive gradually, saying the planes would help extend the operational range of its air force, Anadolu reports.

In a statement, the military said a ceremony was held Thursday at Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel to receive the second “Gideon” refueling and transport aircraft for the air force.

“A Boeing KC-46 aircraft landed yesterday at Nevatim Airbase and joined the Gideon 46 refueling squadron,” the statement said.

The aircraft is the second of six refueling planes purchased through the Israeli Defense Ministry’s procurement mission in the US for the air force, the military said.

The aircraft is part of a broader effort by the Defense Ministry to strengthen the Israeli military, it added.

Refueling aircraft allow fighter jets to extend their operational range and remain airborne for longer periods, while also providing advanced transport and multi-mission capabilities, according to the military.

The Israeli military carries out long-range attacks in Iran and Yemen, operations that can require aerial refueling for fighter jets.

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On May 27, the Israeli military announced that it had received the first of the six refueling aircraft purchased from the US.

Weeks earlier, the Times of Israel reported that the KC-46 aircraft were set to replace the air force’s aging Boeing 707 refueling fleet, which it said played a “major role” in Israel’s wars against Iran.

Key targets in Iran are located between 1,500 and 2,000 kilometers (932-1,243 miles) from Israeli air bases, while most fighter jets do not have sufficient range to complete a round trip without aerial refueling.

The delivery of the second refueling aircraft comes amid expectations of renewed regional escalation and the possibility of Israel again joining the US in another military confrontation with Iran.

In June 2025, Israel launched a war on Iran, before Israel and the US launched another war against Tehran on Feb. 28, which ended with a ceasefire on April 8 through Pakistani mediation.

Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but its implementation has stalled due to disagreements over security in the strait.

During the latest escalation, Israeli officials repeatedly threatened to strike Iran, though analyses and statements carried by Hebrew-language media indicated that Tel Aviv preferred not to enter that round of conflict, mainly because of Washington’s position.

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