Israeli Air Force Adds Advanced Boeing 767-Based Refueling Aircraft to Fleet

The Israeli Air Force has received its second "Gideon" aerial refueling aircraft, which landed at Nevatim Airbase and will join the strategic fleet. The aircraft, based on the Boeing 767, carries a large fuel capacity and can both refuel other planes and receive fuel mid-air, allowing it virtually unlimited operational endurance. This capability is enhanced by advanced aeronautics and military systems derived from multiple models.

An Air Force source explained that the refueling system was developed by Boeing in cooperation with the U.S. military to enable a high and safe refueling rate. The Gideon is considered the most advanced tanker of its kind and benefits from operational lessons learned by U.S. forces in distant theaters, including conflicts involving Iran. The Israeli Air Force is conducting training and maintenance to fully implement these recent operational insights.

The aircraft operates with a relatively small crew of four to five personnel, including two pilots, a navigator or systems operator, and a boom operator. Its versatility allows it to perform various missions such as medical evacuation, passenger transport, cargo delivery, and potentially other specialized roles in the future. The Air Force plans to continue refining the aircraft’s specifications and may install additional dedicated systems to maximize its capabilities.