The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is poised to significantly upgrade its long-range operational capabilities with the imminent arrival of the next-generation KC-46 aerial refueling aircraft, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday.
These aircraft will play a critical role in the IDF’s ongoing strategic efforts, particularly in Operation Rising Lion, which has involved dozens of Israeli fighter jets carrying out sorties deep into the Middle East. Since the start of the operation, the IAF’s 120th Squadron has already conducted over 600 aerial refueling missions, enabling extended reach and sustained air superiority in the region.
According to the military, aerial refueling is essential for maintaining Israel's operational readiness against distant threats, particularly those posed by Iran. The KC-46 aircraft are designed for long-range missions and are equipped to execute precise mid-air refueling under complex conditions, even within high-risk zones. These capabilities allow Israeli strike squadrons to operate continuously and reach targets that would otherwise be inaccessible without landing.
Each KC-46 tanker carries tens of tons of fuel, enabling extended flight times for multiple aircraft during operations. The seamless integration with strike formations and the ability to refuel mid-air during combat missions significantly enhance Israel’s deterrence capabilities.
Currently, the IDF's existing refueling fleet consists of aircraft that are over 50 years old, making the arrival of the KC-46s a long-anticipated upgrade. The continued use of these aging aircraft has only been possible thanks to the dedication of highly trained technical crews, who have worked tirelessly around the clock to keep the planes operational since the war began.
The military emphasized that aerial refueling remains a cornerstone of Israel’s strategic defense posture, particularly as it faces threats from distant theaters such as Iran and Yemen. The arrival of the KC-46 is expected to provide a critical edge in ensuring Israel can strike far-reaching targets while maintaining air superiority and regional dominance.
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