Israel to buy two additional KC-46 refueling planes from Boeing

Israel’s Defense Ministry announced it will acquire two more KC-46 refueling aircraft from U.S. manufacturer Boeing, expanding its fleet beyond the four already on order. According to a ministry statement cited by Times of Israel , Defense Ministry director Amir Baram has instructed Israel’s mission in the United States to sign a contract with Washington for the fifth and sixth planes, pending approval from the Israel Defense Procurement Ministerial Committee. The additional purchase is valued at approximately $500 million, funded through the $3.8 billion in annual U.S. military aid provided

Israel’s Defense Ministry announced it will acquire two more KC-46 refueling aircraft from U.S. manufacturer Boeing, expanding its fleet beyond the four already on order. According to a ministry statement cited by Times of Israel, Defense Ministry director Amir Baram has instructed Israel’s mission in the United States to sign a contract with Washington for the fifth and sixth planes, pending approval from the Israel Defense Procurement Ministerial Committee. The additional purchase is valued at approximately $500 million, funded through the $3.8 billion in annual U.S. military aid provided under the 10-year memorandum of understanding between the two countries. Israel first signed a deal for four KC-46 aircraft in 2022, though deliveries have not yet taken place. That agreement included an option to buy four more in the future. The KC-46 is a multi-role aircraft capable of mid-air refueling for fighter jets as well as military transport. The planes will replace the Israeli Air Force’s aging fleet of KC-130 Hercules and converted Boeing 707s, the latter of which played a key role in Israel’s war against Iran in June.