Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram has instructed the Ministry’s mission to the US to sign a contract with the US government to procure the fifth and sixth refueling aircraft for the Israeli Air Force.
The aircraft are manufactured by Boeing, and the procurement is expected to proceed after it receives the approval of the Israel Defense Procurement Ministerial Committee.
This is a follow-on contract with the US government for procuring two advanced refueling aircraft in addition to four previously purchased KC-46 aircraft. This will expand the IDF’s new refueling fleet to six aircraft. The new aircraft will be equipped with Israeli systems and adapted to the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) operational requirements.
The contract’s scope is estimated at approximately half a billion USD and is funded through US aid. It represents a significant milestone in the extensive force buildup that the IMOD is conducting for the IDF.
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram said: “The fifth and sixth refueling aircraft will strengthen the IAF – the IDF’s long-range strategic arm – enabling it to reach distant theaters with greater force and scope. We will continue to work together to strengthen the IDF in the current campaign and toward future challenges.”
Boeing Israel President Maj. Gen. (Res.) Ido Nehushtan said: “Boeing takes pride in its longstanding partnership with Israel, a relationship that dates back to the nation’s establishment. The KC-46A tanker aircraft will provide the world’s most advanced multi-mission aerial refueling capability to the IAF.”