Overview

• Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram directed Israel’s mission in Washington to sign a contract for the fifth and sixth KC-46s once the defence procurement ministerial committee approves it.
• The follow-on order is valued at about $500 million and will be paid for using U.S. military assistance.
• The two aircraft add to four KC-46s previously purchased in 2022, with deliveries from the initial order yet to take place.
• The contract includes integrating Israeli systems tailored to the Israeli Air Force’s operational requirements.
• Officials cite strengthened long-range capability, noting Israel’s recent use of aerial refuelling during a 12-day air campaign against Iran in June.