Ceremony Held for the Arrival of the Israeli Air Force’s First KC-46 Gideon Refueling Aircraft, Led by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, and Commander of the Israeli Air Force, MG Omer Tischler

Ceremony Held Today (Wednesday) for the Arrival of the Israeli Air Force’s First KC-46 Gideon Refueling Aircraft, Led by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, and Commander of the Israeli Air Force, MG Omer Tischler

The Boeing KC-46 Gideon aircraft landed today (Wednesday) at Nevatim Airbase (28). The aircraft was received by the new refueling squadron that was established last week.

This aircraft is the first of six refueling aircraft procured by the Ministry of Defense Procurement Mission to the United States. It is part of a broad force build-up initiative led by the Ministry of Defense for the IDF.

The refueling aircraft extend the operational range and flight endurance of fighter jets, while also providing advanced transport and multi-mission capabilities. The arrival of the new aircraft significantly strengthens the Israeli Air Force’s superiority in the multi-front war and its ability to operate in distant arenas. 

Remarks by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir: “The brutal ayatollah regime has been significantly weakened, leaving its future and stability shrouded in uncertainty. Its leaders are being pursued, most of its military capabilities have been dismantled, its nuclear program has been set back by years. The regime’s economy is collapsing, while its citizens are only beginning to understand the scale of the crisis caused by their extremist leaders.

A few days ago, we marked the holiday of Shavuot, the holiday of first fruits - the first harvest brought to the Holy Temple. The Gideon aircraft presented here before us is the first operational milestone of our future air arm - the result of vision, hard work, and the tireless dedication of many partners along the way. It is also your first milestone, Tischler, the new commander of the Israeli Air Force, on the path toward a multi-year plan rich with new platforms.”

Remarks by the Commander of the Israeli Air Force, MG Omer Tischler: “It was from the runways of Nevatim Airbase that, approximately two months ago, the refueling aircraft took off carrying the Israeli Air Force’s mission to Iran on their wings. Air power, a strategic capability that refuels fighter aircraft and expands the operational range and strength in every arena, at every distance. The regime in Iran, which has dedicated itself to the destruction of Israel, encountered a level of firepower it had never known, never anticipated, and could not stop.

Even at this hour, the Israeli Air Force remains in the air - aircraft and personnel of the air force are operating from the air and ground, striking Hezbollah terror targets with determination, integrated with troops operating on the ground, defending the residents of northern Israel, repeatedly operating against and striking senior Hamas terrorists in Gaza, and remain prepared for any development in every arena.

The Gideon that has just landed, now bearing the emblem of the Israeli Air Force, adds a significant element of strength to the strategic capabilities of the force - more fuel, more cargo, farther reach, enabling more operations.”

Remarks by the Commander of Nevatim Airbase (28), BG D.: “The landing of the Gideon, a fifth-generation strategic platform, during an intense and prolonged war, while IDF troops are deployed across seven arenas fighting to defend Israeli civilians, is a historic, challenging, and deeply moving moment.

Integrating a new platform during wartime brings even greater challenges, but the cooperation between all parties - industries, IDF bodies, the Ministry of Defense, and the Israeli Air Force - overcomes every obstacle.”

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