Second Gidon refueling aircraft arrives in Israel to boost IAF’s long-range reach

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has bolstered its long-range operational capabilities with the arrival of its second Gidon tanker aircraft at Nevatim Airbase. This advanced aircraft, a converted Boeing KC-46, represents a significant milestone in the IAF's aerial refueling and cargo capacity, according to officials.

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First and foremost, it is a tanker aircraft, and its capabilities are extensive and very important for the State of Israel.

Described by those overseeing its operation as the world's most advanced aerial refueling aircraft, the Gidon first entered IAF service earlier this year. It serves as the flagship for a new refueling squadron that is expected to expand. Israel has ordered six of these aircraft to date, with potential for further fleet growth. The Gidon's capabilities extend beyond refueling, allowing it to simultaneously transport cargo and passengers, evacuate wounded personnel, and potentially undertake additional roles as developed by the Air Force and Defense Ministry.

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Our goal is to provide the State of Israel with the strongest capability we possibly can. And, of course, regional cooperation and cooperation with our American partners are strategic and critical for the country.

"First and foremost, it is a tanker aircraft, and its capabilities are extensive and very important for the State of Israel," an IAF source told The Jerusalem Post. The aircraft utilizes an advanced boom system for primary refueling missions, with a secondary drogue system available for potential use by other air forces as part of regional cooperation. The source emphasized the Gidon's superior capacity and precision compared to the aircraft it replaces, noting it can carry "significantly more" fuel, cargo, and passengers.

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It can carry significantly more fuel, significantly more cargo, and significantly more passengers. And it can do all of that with greater precision, in more complex environments, and on a larger scale.

With the capacity to carry up to 18 pallets of cargo and conduct simultaneous refueling and cargo missions, the Gidon is equipped with state-of-the-art civilian and military systems. Its core mission is to extend the operational reach of Israeli combat aircraft across the Middle East and potentially beyond. "Our goal is to get the Air Force as far as it needs to go, to all the points it needs to reach, and to bring all of its capabilities across the Middle East, or even farther if necessary," the source stated.

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Our goal is to get the Air Force as far as it needs to go, to all the points it needs to reach, and to bring all of its capabilities across the Middle East, or even farther if necessary.