Israel will acquire two Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tankers in a $500 million contract financed through U.S. military aid, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday.
The ministry said the agreement will be signed with the U.S. government once it receives approval from Israel’s ministerial committee for defense procurement. Foreign military sales are managed by Washington for all U.S. defense exports.
Israel’s military currently operates four KC-46 tankers. According to Ministry Director General Amir Baram, the new aircraft will enhance the country’s long-range operational capacity, allowing the air force to project power over greater distances.
The ministry noted that the contract will also include the integration of Israeli-made systems, without providing further details.
Aerial refueling tankers were deployed by Israel during its 12-day air campaign against Iran in June.
“The contract’s scope is estimated at approximately half a billion U.S. dollars and is funded through U.S. aid,” the statement said.
The United States provides Israel with several billion dollars annually in 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.
