Israel’s first Boeing KC-46 “Gideon” aerial refueling aircraft has completed its maiden flight test in the United States, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) said, adding that the tanker is expected to be delivered to Israel in “approximately one month.”
Israel MOD Announces: “Gideon” Tanker Aircraft Completes Its Maiden Flight in U.S. Skies
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— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) May 4, 2026
“The Boeing KC-46 tanker aircraft has successfully completed its maiden flight in the United States,” the ministry’s statement reads. “This aircraft is the first of six tanker aircraft procured by the IMOD Mission to the United States, and joins a wide-scale force buildup program managed by the IMOD on behalf of the Israel Defense Forces.”
The aircraft is part of Israel’s effort to replace its aging fleet of Boeing 707 tankers, which have supported Israeli Air Force long-range operations for decades, including past conflicts involving Iran.
The KC-46 platform, already in service with the U.S. Air Force, is expected to give Israel improved aerial refueling capacity for both fighter jets and long-range missions.
The Defense Ministry said the tankers will be “equipped with Israeli systems and adapted to the operational requirements of the Air Force, enabling it to extend flight range and maintain air superiority across all arenas.”
It is unclear what systems will be added, but Israel has a long history of modifying foreign-made aircraft with domestically produced equipment. According to TWZ, one strong possibility is that the KC-46s will be fitted to serve as a command-and-control platform and communications node.
IDF to Receive Two New Fighter Squadrons: Ministerial Procurement Committee Approves Acquisition of F-35 and F-15IA Squadrons
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— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) May 3, 2026
The announcement of the KC-46 milestone came a day after the Israel Ministry of Defense announced approval of the acquisition of additional combat aircraft, including a fourth F-35 squadron and a second F-15IA squadron.
