The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday that it will acquire two Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tankers in a $500 million contract financed by U.S. military aid.
The deal, which must first be approved by Israel’s ministerial committee for defense procurement, will be signed with the U.S. government. The ministry added that the contract also includes the integration of Israeli-made systems, though it did not provide further details.
The new aircraft will expand Israel’s current fleet of four KC-46 tankers. According to Ministry Director General Amir Baram, the acquisition will enhance the country’s long-range operational capacity, allowing the air force to project power over greater distances. Israeli tankers were recently deployed during a 12-day air campaign against Iran in June.
The United States provides Israel with billions of dollars in annual military assistance, primarily for the procurement of American-made weapons and equipment. In recent months, some U.S. lawmakers from both parties have raised questions about continuing such aid, citing Israel’s war in Gaza and concerns over domestic spending priorities.
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