Israel’s New KC-46 Tanker Signals Major Shift in Middle East Airpower Balance

Israel expands long-range strike reach with strategic tanker capability. Israel’s first KC-46 aerial refueling aircraft has completed its maiden flight, marking a major leap in Israeli Air Force operational reach and strategic strike capability.  The platform significantly strengthens Israel’s long-range deterrence posture against Iran while enhancing regional power projection, endurance, and multi-domain operational flexibility across the Middle East. Israel’s successful maiden flight of its first KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft mark…