Israel Confirms Plans to Buy Boeing Tankers, F-35 Jets

Israel Ministry of Defense today confirmed plans to buy a pair of Boeing KC-46 tanker aircraft and additional F-35 jets.

“The first Letter of Acceptance (LOA) was signed over the weekend for the procurement of 2 Boeing Tanker jets. Similar processes will be launched to acquire a third F-35 squadron, heavy-lift Helicopters to replace the CH-53 Yasur fleet, advanced munitions and more,” Israel Ministry of Defense tweeted Monday.

The Israeli cabinet approved the spending of $9 billion out of the $38 billion of the current Foreign Military Financing agreement the U.S. has with the country. According to reports, this will include acquisition of tankers, new heavy helicopters, Bell Boeing V-22 Ospreys and F-35s.

Last March, the U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of up to eight KC-46As and related equipment for approximately $2.4 marking the first time that Washington has allowed Jerusalem to buy new tankers. The tankers will reportedly replace the Air Force’s modified 707s.