TEL AVIV — May 4, 2026 : Israel has advanced a major phase of its long-term airpower modernization program, as the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed the successful maiden flight of its first Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tanker in the United States. The aircraft, designated “Gideon” by the Israeli Air Force, is expected to be delivered within approximately one month. The announcement comes alongside government approval for additional fighter squadrons, including the F-35I Adir and F-15IA aircraft.
KC-46 “Gideon” Completes First Flight
The newly built KC-46 tanker completed its maiden flight in the United States as part of pre-delivery testing. During these trials, the aircraft conducted “buddy refueling” operations with a U.S. Air Force tanker, demonstrating aerial refueling capability prior to handover.
The KC-46 “Gideon” is the first of six aircraft procured by Israel. It will replace the aging fleet of six Boeing 707 Re’em aircraft, which have remained in operational service for approximately six decades. The replacement is structured as a one-for-one transition to maintain existing long-range strike and support capacity.
According to the MoD, the tanker will be equipped with Israeli-developed defense systems and mission-specific modifications. These adjustments are intended to align the aircraft with the operational requirements of the IAF, including extended range capabilities and sustained air superiority across multiple operational theaters.
Procurement Background and Timeline
The KC-46 acquisition originates from a U.S.-approved Foreign Military Sale (FMS) framework authorized in 2020, allowing Israel to purchase up to eight aircraft at an estimated value of $2.4 billion. The Israeli government formally approved the procurement in 2021.
In 2022, Boeing received a contract valued at approximately $930 million for the first four KC-46 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled by 2026. In 2025, Israel exercised options to acquire two additional tankers, bringing the confirmed fleet size to six. It remains unconfirmed whether Israel will expand the order beyond this number.
The tanker acquisition forms a central component of the Israeli Air Force’s modernization program, particularly for long-range operational planning.
Approval of New Fighter Squadrons
One day prior to the KC-46 announcement, the Ministerial Committee on Procurement approved the acquisition of two additional fighter squadrons. These include a fourth squadron of F-35I aircraft and a second squadron of F-15IA aircraft.
The agreements, valued at tens of billions of New Israeli Shekels, include full integration into the Israeli Air Force, along with sustainment packages, spare parts, and logistical support. The MoD confirmed that this step represents the initial phase of a broader decade-long force development plan under the “Shield of Israel” (Magen Israel) program, backed by a dedicated budget of approximately 350 billion NIS.
MoD Director General Amir Baram stated that the combined use of F-35I and F-15IA platforms is designed to enhance operational flexibility. The F-35I’s low-observable capabilities enable detection and mapping of air defense systems, while the F-15IA provides high payload capacity for strike missions. This operational concept reflects requirements identified during recent military operations, including Operation Roaring Lion.
Expansion of the F-15IA Fleet
Israel’s approval advances the procurement of an additional 25 F-15IA aircraft, bringing the planned fleet total to 50. The program traces back to 2020, when Israel first expressed interest in the F-15EX platform.
In 2023, Israel submitted a formal Letter of Request for 25 aircraft. The United States approved a Foreign Military Sale in 2024 for up to 50 F-15IA aircraft, along with 25 Mid-Life Update (MLU) kits for the existing F-15I Ra’am fleet.
A contract valued at $8.5 billion was signed in December 2025 for the initial 25 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2031 and 2035. The newly approved squadron enables Israel to proceed with acquiring the remaining 25 aircraft under the existing framework. The status of the MLU kits remains unconfirmed, as they were not included in the December agreement.
Growth of the F-35I “Adir” Program
Israel’s approval of a fourth F-35 squadron will expand its fleet toward a total of 100 aircraft. Israel originally became the first foreign operator to sign an agreement for the F-35 program in 2010, initially procuring 50 aircraft that currently serve in two squadrons at Nevatim Air Base.
In 2023, Israel approved the acquisition of a third squadron consisting of 25 aircraft, valued at approximately $3 billion. Deliveries for this batch are expected to begin between 2027 and 2028.
Because the original FMS framework capped procurement at 75 aircraft, the fourth squadron will require a new approval process through the United States.
Israel remains the only operator authorized to significantly modify the F-35 platform. The F-35I variant incorporates indigenous systems and an enhanced electronic warfare suite tailored to national operational requirements, though U.S. restrictions reportedly limit certain aspects of these modifications.
Long-Term Force Development Framework
The tanker acquisition and fighter squadron approvals form part of a broader strategic modernization initiative within the Israel Defense Forces. The “Shield of Israel” program outlines a decade-long effort to strengthen airpower capabilities, supported by a multi-year budget framework approved at the national level.
Following committee approval, the Ministry of Defense will proceed with finalizing agreements through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process. The acquisitions are intended to ensure sustained operational readiness, extended strike capability, and integration of advanced systems across the Israeli Air Force fleet.
No additional technical details beyond those disclosed in official statements were released.
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