In seeking to further its reach as a nuclear deal between Iran and the United States looks more likely to be signed, the Israel Air Force has signed a contract with Boeing to purchase four multi-mission KC-46 refueling tankers in a deal valued at $927.5 million.
The four new planes that will begin to arrive in 2025 are set to replace the IAF’s aging fleet of Re’em Boeing 707 tankers, aircraft that have been flying in various guises for well over half a century.
The deal includes tanker services support, maintenance and repairs, logistics and spares. The planes, that are based on the veteran Boeing 767 widebody airliner, will be built by Boeing in Seattle.
“This contract further strengthens the US-Israel alliance and continues the decades-long relationship between Boeing and the Israeli Air Force,” said Ido Nehushtan, president of Boeing Israel and a former commander of the IAF.
“The KC-46A will benefit Israel’s efforts to ensure national security and regional stability,” he added.
The IAF had for several years been interested in buying the tankers but delays in signing the contract caused concern among the military, especially as Israel has continually warned against a possible nuclear deal that Washington could sign with Tehran.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi has made clear that he views a rekindling of the 2015 nuclear deal as dangerous and has said publicly that he has asked for fresh operational plans to be prepared to strike Iran in order to stop its nuclear program, if necessary.
The KC-46’s fuel tanks are reinforced with ballistic armor to withstand incoming fire. The plane also carries IR countermeasures, RF warnings, threat avoidance systems, and NVIS (Night Vision Imaging System) lighting that allow the plane to land in complete darkness, affording it very broad covert capabilities. Israel will also able to add its own electric warfare countermeasure systems to the plane.
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