Meet 'Gideon': Israel’s New Tanker Aces Its First U.S. Test Flight

Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced that the new aerial refueling aircraft, nicknamed 'Gideon', has completed its first test flight in U.S. skies, part of preparations to hand it over to the Israeli Air Force in about a month. The KC-46 made by Boeing marks a significant milestone on the road to operational acceptance and signals further progress in the IDF’s broader build-up program.

This is the first of six tankers purchased by the Ministry of Defense’s procurement mission in the United States, a wide-ranging effort aimed at strengthening the Air Force’s capabilities in distant theaters.

The new planes, which will be called 'Gideon' in Hebrew, are slated for custom adaptations to the Air Force’s operational needs. Among other upgrades, they will be outfitted with advanced Israeli systems to enhance aerial refueling and extend the reach of combat aircraft. The goal is to enable the Air Force to operate at greater distances and maintain air superiority 'across all arenas'.

Officials added that the aircraft are part of a broader force-buildup focused on expanding the ability to operate in more distant 'third' and 'fourth' circles — areas the Ministry of Defense has been managing for the IDF in recent years. Integrating the new tankers is expected to be a central component of that capability, increasing the Air Force’s operational flexibility.

The first U.S. test flight marks a critical phase in the process; ahead of the planned handover in about a month, the aircraft are expected to undergo additional adaptations before they are fully integrated into the Air Force’s operational service.