A ceremony to receive the first refueling and transport aircraft of its kind in the Air Force took place today (Wednesday) under the leadership of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Air Force Commander, Major General Omer Tishler.
The aircraft, a Boeing KC-46 "Gideon," landed at Nevatim Air Base. The aircraft was accepted into the new refueling squadron that opened last week.
This aircraft is the first of six refueling aircraft purchased by the Ministry of Defense's procurement delegation in the United States and joins a large-scale reinforcement process that the Ministry of Defense is conducting for the IDF.
The refueling aircraft allow for the extension of the operational range and the time spent in the air of fighter jets, alongside innovative transport and multi-mission capabilities. The acquisition of the new aircraft constitutes a significant reinforcement of the Air Force's superiority in multi-theater warfare and operations in distant circles.
Eyal Zamir: ""The evil structure of the ayatollah regime has cracked noticeably and its future and stability are shrouded in mist. Its leaders are persecuted, most of its military capabilities have been destroyed, its nuclear program has been set back years; its economy is collapsing and its citizens have yet to understand the magnitude of the disaster to which their extremist leaders have led them.".
""A few days ago we celebrated the Feast of Shavuot, the Feast of Firstfruits – the fruits of the first grain brought to the Temple. The 'Gideon' aircraft presented here before us is the operational 'firstfruits' of our future air force – the result of vision, hard work and the endless dedication of many partners along the way. It is also the fruit of your firstfruits - Tishler, the new commander of the Air Force - on the way to a multi-year program full of new platforms.".
Air Force Commander, Major General Omer Tishler: ""Here, from the runways of Nevatim base, refueling planes took off about two months ago and carried the entire air force to Iran on their wings. Air power, a strategic capability that fuels the fighter jets and expands the ranges of action and lethality of the force in every circle, every range, every arena. The regime in Iran, which set itself the goal of destroying Israel, was met with firepower it did not recognize, did not expect, and was unable to stop.
Even at this hour, the Air Force is in the air - its planes and personnel are operating from the air and from the ground, vigorously attacking Hezbollah, combined with the fighters on the ground, protecting the residents of the north, operating and repeatedly thwarting Hamas leaders in Gaza, and ready for any development, in any arena.
"The Gideon, which has just landed, and now also carries the Israel Air Force emblem, adds a significant element of power to the force's strategic capabilities - more fuel, more cargo, farther, more possibilities.".
Commander of Nevatim Base (28), Brigadier General D: ""The landing of the 'Gideon', a 5th generation strategic platform, during a powerful and prolonged war, when IDF fighters are deployed in seven theaters and fighting for the protection of Israeli citizens, is a historic, challenging and very exciting moment.".
"Acquiring a platform during a war is accompanied by even more challenges, but the cooperation between all bodies - industries, IDF bodies, the Ministry of Defense and the Air Force - conquers all.".
