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KC-46 tanker

Israeli modernization plans include a purchase deal for modern refueling aircraft in place of the slow Boeing 707 passenger aircraft from the 1970s, which the Air Force uses to this day. The amount of fuel that the 707 can carry is limited, as is their ability to refuel several fighter jets or helicopters in parallel. Their ability to stay in the air is also relatively short. There is no dispute that modern Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft are needed to safely return the terribly expensive pilots and fighter jets from an attack in eastern Iran.

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of up to eight (8) KC-46 aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.4 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale March 3, 2020.

The Government of Israel has requested to buy up to eight (8) KC-46 aircraft; up to seventeen (17) PW4062 turbofan engines (16 installed, 1 spare); and up to eighteen (18) MAGR 2K-GPS SAASM receivers (16 installed, 2 spares). Also included are AN/ARC-210 U/VHF radios, APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe transponders, initial spares and repair parts, consumables, support equipment, technical data, engineering change proposals, publications, Field Service Representatives (FSRs), repair and return, depot maintenance, training and training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, U.S. Government and contractor representative support, Group A and B installation for subsystems, flight test and certification, other related elements of logistics support and training.

The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. The proposed sale further supports the foreign policy and national security of the United States by allowing Israel to provide a redundant capability to U.S. assets within the region, potentially freeing U.S. assets for use elsewhere during times of war. Aerial refueling and strategic airlift are consistently cited as significant shortfalls for our allies. In addition, the sale improves Israel's national security posture as a key U.S. ally. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors will be Boeing Corporation, Everett, WA, for the aircraft; and Raytheon Company, Waltham, MA, for the MAGR 2K. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Multi Mission Tanker Transport [MMTT]

The Multi Mission Tanker Transport [MMTT] is a conversion of the Boeing 767 by Bedek Aircraft Division of Israeli Aerospace Industries. The Boeing 767 is a mid-size, wide-body twinjet airliner. IAI Bedek Division developed and converted a Multi Mission Tanker Transport configuration based on the B767 Aircraft as a low-cost yet effective competitor to the new-build Airbus A330 MRTT and Boeing KC-46. The aircraft is configured simultaneously for air refueling, cargo, VIP, passengers and ISR systems as desired by operator. A special cargo door and cargo pallet capabilities are built in. Passenger seats and consoles can be rapidly installed or removed. It could be used for refueling missions as well as soldiers and equipment transportation, and other missions.

The new version is equipped with a new Boom refueling system, in addition to the Hose & Drogue system. Having delivered a pod-equipped Boeing 767 multi-mission tanker transport (MMTT) to the Colombian air force in late 2010, IAI’s Bedek Aircraft division has now added a flying boom option to its MMTT offering. The design of the boom has been finalized and testing completed. The boom is an IAI-designed fly-by-wire (FBW) unit controlled from a remote air refueling operator’s station on the flight deck.

IAI Bedek uses its commercial conversion expertise to find suitable used 767 airframes at low cost, then performs a cargo conversion. That saves money, while upgrading the planes to become long-range troop and cargo airlifters. The low utilization rate of MMTT platforms compared to commercial passenger aircraft translates into a continued long-term service life at a considerably lower Life Cycle Cost than for new aircraft.

As part of the conversion a major part of the structure, wiring and systems are replaced, upgraded or refurbished. New engines, new military avionics including a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and new self-protection systems can also be offered, tailored to the customer’s specific requirements.

IAI also offers MMTT platforms based on converted B767-300ER. This version, with over 400,000 lbs MTOW, can carry over 200,000 lbs. of fuel, additional troops and extra cargo pallets. IAI is continuously improving and upgrading its Tanker/Transport aircraft and can offer a “Smart Tanker” version which performs additional tasks while in the air, such as: ELINT, SIGINT, and ESM, or serve as a communications hub or as a Command & Control post.

The MMTT aircraft successfully completed flight tests, including in-flight refueling of Kfir/C10 fighter aircraft, also produced by IAI. Israel Aerospace Industries’ Bedek Aviation Group is a leading supplier of aviation maintenance, repair, overhaul and conversion services on a variety of commercial and military aircraft, engines and components. Bedek provides cost-effective, total maintenance support packages through its Full Service Provider Programs. With more than 20 years of experience, IAI/Bedek's passenger-to-freighter conversion product line also includes: B737-300, B737-400, B767-200, and B747-400 aircraft.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) delivered a converted B767-200ER (Extended Range) MMTT (which includes air refueling capabilities) to the Colombian Air Force (CAF) 04 November 2010. The contract for modernization and modification of these aircraft was signed in 2007 by more than 150 million dollars, for more than two years these works were performed on the Boeing 767. The aircraft was converted by Bedek Aviation Group to a Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) configuration for the Colombian government and the end-user, the Colombian Air Force.

A festive toast was held at IAI's facilities next to Ben Gurion International Airport, in the presence of the Colombian ambassador to Israel, Mr. Isaac Gilinsky, pilots from the Colombian Air Force, IAI's president and CEO, Mr. Itzhak Nissan, Bedek Aviation Group's general manager, Mr. Eli Hattem and project managers from IAI. At the ceremony, Mr. Nissan said:" We are proud and honored to deliver the Air Refueling B767 to the Colombian government and it's Air Force. The B767 "MMTT" configuration was jointly defined by IAI teams and Colombian Air Force pilots and officers, to provide the best capabilities for both air refueling and transport missions. I would like to thank the Israeli Ministry of Defense for supporting this contract and the Colombian government and Air Force for their cooperation. We look forward to working with you on joint projects in the future."

The Colombian ambassador said: "Receiving the tanker is a great gift to the Colombian Air Force. It is a project of national significance and is of crucial importance to Colombia's security and defense. The tanker will play a major role in enhancing our Air Force's capabilities. We look forward to enjoying its performance in the field." Lt. Gen. Carlos Silva of the CAF said:" We're so pleased to be receiving the converted B767. It is an impressive platform with outstanding capabilities. The joint IAI/CAF effort has succeeded and borne fruit. We are proud to be working with IAI's pilots and engineers who see us as friends, rather than customers, it's a great pleasure."

The Força Aérea Brasileira ordered two IAI/Boeing 767-300ER MMTTs to replace its KC-137 fleet already decommissioned in October 2013, the base concept the Brazilians will get has been proven already by the Colombian Air Force.

According to local and foreign media reports in February 2016, Israel wanted to purchase two Boeing KC-46s for $250 million each. The first test of the KC-46 refueling an F-16 fighter jet was conducted on January 24, and a second test, on a US Navy F/A-18 aircraft, on February 10. Israel had already proved that it can make its own refueling planes, which it did when it succeeded in taking Boeing 767s and adapting them accordingly, the KC-46 planes has a slightly greater fuel capacity.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced 28 August 2025 the signing of a new deal with Boeing to purchase two additional "KC-46" aircraft designated for aerial refueling, expanding its future fleet to 6 aircraft. This step aims to enable the Israeli Air Force to carry out long-range operations with greater capability deep within Iranian territory, and to reduce the duration of potential combat rounds with Tehran. The decision came amid increasing estimates in Israel that a new round of confrontation with Iran is imminent, possibly beginning with a surprise strike from Tehran itself.

The Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (Res.) Amir Baram, directed the military procurement mission in the United States to finalize the deal with Boeing, adding to 4 aircraft that had previously been contracted and were currently being manufactured in Seattle. This step meant doubling the Israeli Air Force's capability to operate in what is termed the "third circle", referring to distant operational theaters such as Iran and Yemen.

Until now, Israel had relied on an old fleet of "Ram" aircraft (modified Boeing 707) that are over 60 years old, which was supposed to be replaced more than a decade ago, but political disagreements and financial crises delayed the modernization. The first "KC-46" aircraft was expected to arrive in Israel within the next six months, while the remaining aircraft will be delivered gradually until 2030. It was likely that the old aircraft will remain in service for several more years to support the new fleet and provide additional flexibility.

The new aircraft, which will carry the name "Gideon", will be the largest in the Israeli Air Force and will be equipped with locally manufactured operating systems. The estimated value of the new deal is about 500 million dollars, which will be financed through U.S. military aid. Thus, Israel will become the first country in the Middle East to operate "KC-46" aircraft, which are considered the backbone of aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Air Force.

These aircraft are equipped with faster and more advanced refueling systems, capable of refueling all types of fighters and even similar aircraft through a technologically advanced refueling arm, according to the site. Recommendations from Israeli Air Force leaders to increase the number of refueling aircraft preceded the direct confrontations with Iran, but the need became more pressing in the last two years as the conflict transitioned from "shadow wars" to open confrontations.

With 6 "KC-46" aircraft alongside the "Ram" fleet, Air Force leaders expect to maintain a near-permanent aerial presence over Iran, akin to "living in the skies of Iran", exerting continuous air pressure on Tehran. This is believed to enable Israel to reduce the duration of combat rounds; battles that used to last a week can now be compressed into a few days while reducing risks to the aircraft. A source in the Air Force stating that they conducted about 3,500 airstrikes in Iran last June over a two-week period, "In the future, we could achieve the same number in a week or less thanks to the new aircraft."