Israel’s First KC-46 Tanker Completes Maiden Flight
The first of six aircraft will be fitted with Israeli systems and is expected to replace aging Re'em tankers within about a month.
- On Monday, May 4, 2026, Israel's first KC-46 tanker, designated Gideon, completed its maiden test flight in the United States, marking a critical step in the Israeli Air Force's fleet modernization.
- Replacing aging Boeing 707-based tankers that have served for decades, the new Boeing-made aircraft provides the operational reach required for long-distance operations against distant targets like Iran.
- With a capacity of 207,000 pounds of fuel, the KC-46 can fly up to 24 hours with midair refueling and offers multi-role flexibility, including transporting around 110 troops or managing 22 medical rescue situations.
- Defense Ministry officials expect delivery in approximately one month, after which the tanker will be outfitted with Israeli systems to enable the IAF to extend its range and maintain aerial superiority "across all arenas."
- This acquisition is part of a wide-scale NIS 350 billion decade-long force buildup that includes purchasing additional F-35s and F-15IAs to strengthen the Israeli Defense Forces' long-range strategic capabilities.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Israel’s first KC-46 tanker completes maiden flight
Israel’s first KC-46 tanker aircraft has completed its maiden flight in the United States, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced. The aircraft, designated “Gideon” in Hebrew, is the first of six KC-46 tankers procured by the IMOD Mission to the U.S. on behalf of the Israel Defense Forces. Boeing’s KC-46 Pegasus is a multi-role aerial […]
First ‘Gideon’ refueling plane completes test flight ahead of delivery to IAF
The aircraft is to be outfitted with Israeli systems and adapted to meet operational requirements. By JNS A new Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft slated to be delivered to the Israeli Air Force next month has completed its first test flight in the United States, the Israeli Defense Ministry said on Monday. The aircraft, dubbed “Gideon,” is the first of six refueling planes purchased by the ministry’s procurement mission in the United States as par…
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