Israel’s first Boeing KC-46 aerial refueling aircraft, designated Gideon by the Israeli Air Force, completed its maiden flight in the United States on May 4, 2026. The Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed the test flight, with delivery to Israel expected in approximately one month.
This KC-46 is the lead aircraft in a procurement of six tankers acquired through the Defense Ministry’s U.S. mission. Initially, Israel signed a deal in 2022 for four aircraft, followed by two additional units. The tankers, based on the Boeing 767, will replace the aging Re’em fleet of modified Boeing 707s that have served for decades.
Equipped with Israeli-developed systems and tailored to Air Force requirements, the Gideon tankers will extend operational range for long-range missions. Each carries dozens of tons of fuel, enabling midair refueling for F-35s, F-16s, F-15s and other aircraft in contested areas. The aircraft supports extended flights of up to 16 hours, or 24 hours with its own refueling, and features advanced avionics including a glass cockpit.
Israel ranks as the third country to operate the KC-46, after the United States and Japan. The announcement follows approval for an additional F-35 squadron and F-15IA squadron, part of a broad force buildup including NIS 350 billion over a decade.