Israel now has its own KC-46, but the US needs to do much more to help grow Israel’s tanker force, argue Justin Leopold-Cohen and Bradley Bowman.
The delivery of the KC-46 to Israel marks a culmination of long-anticipated defense cooperation, coinciding with heightened regional tensions and evolving air power requirements.
This event significantly enhances Israel's long-range projection and strategic air capabilities, critical for operations beyond its immediate borders and for maintaining air superiority against adversaries like Iran.
Israel's Air Force now possesses advanced aerial refueling capacity, improving its operational range and flexibility while deepening its interoperability with US forces.
- · Israeli Air Force
- · US Defense Industry
- · Regional stability advocates
- · Iran
- · Regional adversaries of Israel
Israel gains extended reach for its fighter jets, enabling operations at greater distances.
The enhanced capability could alter strategic calculations in the Middle East, particularly regarding potential long-range strikes.
Other US allies may accelerate their acquisition of similar advanced defense assets to maintain regional balance or improve their own strategic reach.
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Read at Breaking Defense