Israel’s Air Power Soars: First Advanced KC-46A “Gideon” Pegasus Tanker Arrives from US to Boost Combat Reach

Israel has taken a major step forward in strengthening its aerial defense capabilities with the arrival of its first KC-46A “Pegasus” aerial-refueling tanker, named “Gideon” by the Israeli Air Force. The state-of-the-art aircraft touched down today at Nevatim Airbase in the Negev Desert, flown directly from the United States to replace the aging Boeing 707 fleet. This delivery marks the first of six ordered tankers that will dramatically extend the operational range of Israeli fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft.