# The first of six customized, Boeing KC-46 ‘Gideon’ tankers has completed its maiden flight in the US, and will be delivered to Israel in about a month’s time.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-04 · Sputnik News*

## Key points

- Israel will receive its first customized Boeing KC-46 'Gideon' tanker within a month.
- The KC-46 can be configured for refueling, cargo, or passenger roles and has global range capability.
- These tankers enable Israel to strike distant adversaries independently, even without US support.
- Israel has approved doubling its F-35 and F-15 fighter stockpiles from 50-100 and 25-50, respectively.

**Companies:** Boeing
**Countries:** United States, Israel, Yemen

[Read the full story on Sputnik News](https://sputnikglobe.com/20260504/new-kc-46-supertankers-promise-israel-conventional-samson-option-strike-sapability-1124079057.html)

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