On May 27, 2026, the first of six Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers was delivered to the Israeli Defense Force/Air Force at Nevatim Airbase, to support its sustained long-range strike operations across the Middle East.
The aircraft entered Squadron 46 under the designation Gideon less than one month after its first flight in the United States. In 2020, a US Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel was authorised, valued at US$2.4 billion for up to eight aircraft. Boeing received a $930 million contract in 2022 covering the first four of six tankers, although the IFD/AF still requires eight aircraft.
The Pegasus’s boom and probe-and-drogue refuelling systems are compatible with IDF/AF F-35I Adir, F-15I Ra’am, and F-16I Sufa combat aircraft. In addition to aerial refuelling, the KC-46A Gideon retains its strategic transport capability and will replace the IDF/AF’s fleet of six ageing Boeing 707 “Re’em” tankers. Israel received a second Gideon tanker on 20 August.
On the same day, the US Department of State approved a possible FMS sale to Qatar for four KC-46A aircraft and related equipment. The estimated total cost is US$4.50 billion. The request includes AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers and Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems. According to the United States, this proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by helping improve the security of a strategic regional partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The Qatar Emiri Air Force has a growing fleet of new combat aircraft, including the Typhoon, Rafale and F-15QA, but has no aerial tankers.
However, Israeli media has reported that the addition of KC-46As could allow Qatar’s air force “to conduct long-range strike missions far beyond its borders, marking a dramatic shift in its operational reach.
The Jerusalem Post said, ”While acknowledging the recent Iranian attacks Qatar has experienced most likely motivated this order, it nevertheless observes that “the deal simultaneously hands Doha a long-range force-projection capability toward Israel that it previously did not possess.’”
by David Oliver
