The Israeli military has added the second of six tanker aircraft purchased from the United States to its air force inventory.
The Israeli military said on Friday that the Boeing KC-46 tanker and transport aircraft was received at a ceremony held on Thursday at Nevatim Air Base in the country’s south. The aircraft was assigned to the Air Force’s Gideon 46 tanker squadron.
Acquired through the procurement mission in the United States
The second KC-46 is one of six tanker aircraft purchased for the Air Force by the Israeli Defense Ministry through its procurement mission in the United States. The Israeli military described the delivery as part of the Defense Ministry’s efforts to strengthen the military’s capabilities.
The Israeli military said the tanker aircraft would enable fighter jets to remain in the air longer and extend their operational range. It added that the aircraft offer advanced transport capabilities and can be used for different missions.
First aircraft delivered on May 27
The first aircraft in the six-plane fleet was delivered on May 27. The Israeli Air Force may require aerial refueling during its long-range operations targeting Iran and Yemen.
The Israeli military said some targets in Iran are located 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers from Israeli air bases and that most fighter jets cannot complete the round trip without aerial refueling.