The Ministry of Defense announced today (Monday) that the 'Gideon' refueling aircraft, a KC-46 model manufactured by Boeing, successfully completed its first test flight in the skies of the United States.
The flight is a crucial step towards the expected delivery of the aircraft to the Israeli Air Force in about a month.
The aircraft is expected to be integrated into the IAF's operational system and significantly improve its strategic capabilities.
This aircraft is the first of six refueling aircraft purchased by the United States Department of Defense's procurement delegation.
The procurement is part of a large-scale strengthening process being conducted by the Ministry of Defense for the IDF, focusing on third- and fourth-cycle capabilities.
The 'Gideon' aircraft will be equipped with advanced Israeli technological systems and adapted to the unique operational requirements of the Air Force to enable the fighter jets to increase their flight range and maintain air superiority in all arenas.
