Israel plans to obtain two additional Boeing KC-46 tanker aircraft, bringing its total commitment for the type to six examples.
A contract for the two additional aircraft will be signed once approval from Israel’s Defense Procurement Ministerial Committee has been obtained, according to Israel’s defence ministry.
“This is a follow-on contract with the US government for procuring two advanced refuelling aircraft in addition to four previously purchased KC-46 aircraft,” says the ministry.
“This will expand the [Israel Defence Force’s] new refuelling fleet to six aircraft. The new aircraft will be equipped with Israeli systems and adapted to the IAF’s [Israeli air force’s] operational requirements.”
The value of the deal is about $500 million and will be funded through US aid, adds the ministry.
Tankers play a key role in the IAF’s strategy. It is understood that the nation’s fleet of six Boeing KC-707 tankers was instrumental in Israel’s June air campaign against Iran’s nuclear programme.
Cirium, an aviation analytics company, indicates that the average age of Israel’s KC-707s is 50.3 years. Israel also operates seven Lockheed Martin KC-130His in the tanker role, with an average age of 49.1 years.
Israel has yet to receive its four previously ordered KC-46s. The type’s main operator is the US Air Force, with 98 examples fielded and current orders for an additional 57.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force operates four KC-46s and has orders for two more.
