The Israeli Air Force announced that Boeing has delivered the first KC-46 tanker to the Israeli Air Force (IAF), the first of six aircraft on contract. More than 110 KC-46A tankers now operate around the world, including 107 with the U.S. Air Force.
- "Delivering the first KC-46 to Israel marks a historic moment as another nation begins operating the multi-mission tanker," said Jake Kwasnik, vice president and KC-46 program manager. “Our Boeing team is committed to providing unmatched capability to the Israeli Air Force who will depend on the KC-46.”
Why it matters: This delivery expands global KC-46 operations, reinforcing the tanker’s strategic value in extending operational reach, strengthening connectivity and interoperability for joint and allied forces, and providing refueling and transport capabilities that directly support mission success for Israel.
- “The KC-46 strengthens the strategic security alliance between the U.S. and Israel,” said Ido Nehushtan, Boeing Israel country president. “Built to the operational requirements of the IAF and equipped with Israeli systems, this ‘Gideon’ tanker will extend the force’s operational reach and bolster air superiority.”
Advanced capabilities today. Evolving for the future.
- The multi-mission KC-46 tanker features multiple layers of combat-ready defensive countermeasures to detect, avoid, defeat and survive threats while also providing data and communications connectivity to the fleet. In addition to aerial refueling, the tanker supports cargo, medevac and personnel transport.
- The combat-proven KC-46A has flown more than 35,000 sorties and is delivering millions of pounds of fuel every month to allied forces around the globe.
- Built as a tanker from day one, the KC-46A has a longer lifespan, with greater fleet commonality and interoperability benefits than competing tankers, creating lifecycle benefits and economies of scale for the U.S. Air Force, Israeli Air Force and allies.
KC-46A Production
- Boeing manufactures KC-46 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, the IAF and other allied customers on its 767 production line in Everett, Wash., and completes militarization and mission-systems integration in Boeing Defense, Space & Security facilities — reinforcing the national defense industrial base and global allied supply chains.
Voice of the Customer
Israeli Air Force announces delivery.
Israel Ministry of Defense news release of first flight.