JERUSALEM, Sept 1 (Reuters) – Israel will buy four Boeing Co KC-46A refuelling tankers for its air force, the Israeli government and the U.S. defence contractor said on Thursday, a $927 million deal with delivery of the first planes expected in 2025.

The tankers would replace the decades-old, repurposed Boeing 707s that Israel currently uses for mid-air refuelling and may help it signal seriousness about the possibility of a long-threatened strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The Israel Air Force (IAF) describes its Boeing 707 tankers as more than 45 years old, with scarce replacement parts.

The KC-46As will be able to carry some 30% more fuel while consuming 30% less, the IAF journal said in a March 2021 article. “This (will) enable us to significantly enhance our flight ranges,” it quoted an IAF major as saying.

“Also, this aircraft can refuel other aircraft while being simultaneously refuelled by another KC-46, a capability the (Boeing 707 refuelling plane) doesn’t have. This theoretically stretches its range to infinity”.

Reuters
Photo Rob Vogelaar