Air Force refueling drill
(Video: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
The Israeli Air Force released on Sunday a video showcasing a mid-air refueling drill involving its F-35 and F-15 fighter jets, highlighting their capability to reach targets as far as Iran and Yemen.
The drill sends a clear message to Israel's adversaries and aligns with the Air Force's long-term strategy to integrate its aging Boeing 707 refueling aircraft with newer KC-46 planes expected to arrive from the U.S. in the coming years.
The Boeing 707s, which are 40 to 50 years old, remain a crucial asset for the IDF, making Israel the only Western military still using them for offensive missions. Despite Boeing no longer manufacturing these aircraft, the company continues to supply critical parts, allowing the IDF to extend its operational life.
Lt. Col. A, who commands the 707 fleet and participated in last month’s mission against the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah in Yemen, emphasized the importance of refueling in such long-range operations.
"After the Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, which killed a civilian, I informed my base commander at Nevatim Airbase that we were ready to target Yemen," Lt. Col. A told Ynet. "The planning was completed overnight, and the next day, we received the order to proceed. To ensure our fighter jets could safely return, I ordered the removal of unnecessary equipment from the 707 to maximize space for fuel tanks."
These preparations, he noted, would be essential if the Air Force were ordered to strike Iran. "Disconnecting the fighter jets miles from their target to give them time to organize for their attack, and then hearing minutes later that they had completed their mission, is a great feeling," Lt. Col. A said. "We demonstrated that we can reach and strike anywhere in the Middle East and return safely, and that’s not even the full extent of our capabilities."
He added that the operation, along with subsequent missions during Iran's April attack on Israel, underwent a thorough review. "We incorporated all the lessons learned from that strike, both in terms of attack and defense, to ensure we can operate under fire," he said. "We were prepared then, and we are fully prepared now. We are ready for any mission at a moment’s notice."