Israel to purchase 4 aerial refueling planes

Boeing KC-46A tankers to enable Israel to attack Iran, 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away; Boeing Israel CEO says addition to Airforce bolsters Israel's strategic capabilities; purchase delayed by at least 2-years during political stalemate
Elisha Ben Kimon, Itamar Eichner|
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Israel on Thursday, signed a $927 million purchase order for four Boeing (BA.N) KC-46A refueling tankers for its air force, with deliveries due to begin in 2025, the U.S. defense contractor said on Thursday.
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  • Israeli officials have described the tankers as important for planning military operations that could potentially include a long-threatened attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.
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    מטוסי התדלוק שנרכשו
    מטוסי התדלוק שנרכשו
    Boeing KC-46A tanker
    (Photo: U.S. Airforce, Boeing )
    The U.S. approved the sale of eight such advanced jets to Israel in 2020.
    "The sale is an important milestone in bolstering Israel's long- range capabilities for the future," president of Boeing Israel, former IAF chief Ido Nehushtan said in a statement.
    "The advanced refueling gets will be an important addition to the IDF's strategic capabilities," he said.
    Israel attempted to receive the two tankers earlier than the supply date agreed, U.S. officials refused.
    The purchase, which required special government funding was approved by then defense minister Avigdor Liberman in 2020, but because of the political crisis, that stalled the necessary governmental procedures, was delayed.
    2 View gallery
    מטוסי התדלוק שנרכשו
    מטוסי התדלוק שנרכשו
    Boeing KC-46A tanker
    (Photo: U.S. Airforce, Boeing )
    Should Israel conduct a strike on Iran, which is more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) away, the air force would need the advanced refueling capabilities, critical for success.
    Prime Minister Yair Lapid met a short time ago with Mossad Chief David Barnea, ahead of his departure for Washington, where he is set to discuss the emerging nuclear deal with Iran, with U.S. officials.
    Lapid spoke to U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday and expressed Israel's concerns over the details of the agreement.

    Reuters contributed to this report
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    5.
    rabeynu
    better later than never. means that Israel can strike Iran from Med Sea or north.
    moishe| 09.03.22
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    4.
    2 years and four aircraft too little too late
    israel can transform old 767 and 747 into fuel tankers but our landlord america says no no no
    09.01.22
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    the only 747 tanker in the world was iranian!
    shloime| 09.03.22
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