'Israel' to buy two Boeing refueling planes in $500 million deal funded by US aid

'Israel’s' Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that it plans to purchase two KC-46 aerial refueling aircraft from Boeing in a USD 500 million deal financed through American military assistance.

The ministry said the contract will be signed with the US government once it secures approval from Israel’s ministerial committee on defense procurement. The United States oversees foreign military sales and transfers to allied nations.

According to the ministry, the Israeli Air Force already operates four KC-46 tankers. Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram stated that the additional aircraft would enhance the military’s long-range strategic capabilities, enabling operations “further, stronger, and across a wider scope.”

'Israel' relied on aerial refueling tankers during its 12-day air campaign against Iran in June. The new deal also includes the integration of unspecified Israeli systems into the aircraft.

Washington, Israel’s closest ally in the Middle East, provides billions of dollars in annual military assistance, which allows Israel to purchase advanced American weapons and equipment.

“The value of the contract is estimated at around half a billion US dollars and is funded through American aid,” the ministry confirmed.