The United States is sending dozens of aerial refueling aircraft to Israel, according to a report by the Times of Israel Friday evening. The deployment comes amid preparations for a potential military operation against Iran. The report follows earlier reports Friday of 10 such aircraft being sent, and the new figures suggest a significant expansion of US logistical support.
The Times of Israel reported Friday evening that the United States is sending dozens of refueling aircraft to Israel, citing unnamed sources. The move is described as part of preparations for a potential attack on Iran. The report updates earlier Friday evening reports that had indicated a smaller deployment of 10 aircraft, suggesting a significant expansion of US logistical support.
Earlier Friday evening, multiple reports emerged on the same subject. Axios first reported that the US military is deploying dozens of additional tankers. The White House confirmed the intention. Israeli journalists Dafna Liel and Amit Segal (N12) reported that the Trump administration informed Israel it would send dozens of additional refueling aircraft. Barak Ravid (N12) cited three US and Israeli officials confirming the plan. Simultaneously, i24NEWS reported, citing a source familiar with the matter, that 10 refueling aircraft were expected to arrive within the coming day. The Times of Israel report now aligns with the larger figure seen in most other reports.
As The Zioneer has documented over recent weeks, US refueling aircraft have been moving in and out of Israel and the region, with deployments at Ben Gurion Airport, positioning at key staging points, and periodic relocations. The current deployment continues a pattern of expanding US logistical support for Israeli operations against Iran.
The exact number of aircraft, their arrival timeline, and the specific mission details remain unconfirmed. The Times of Israel report, like the earlier ones, relies on unnamed sources, and no official confirmation has been issued.
10 developments
- DevelopingUS expected to relocate 20% of refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion; reports do not confirm 32-aircraft withdrawal
- StrongUS military to relocate ~20% of refueling aircraft from Ben Gurion Airport ahead of Iran deal
- DevelopingUS military deployed ~6 additional refueling aircraft across Israel overnight
- DevelopingUS keeps 33 refueling tankers at Ben Gurion; aviation officials warn of 50,000 summer ticket cancellations
Source and signal
- Internal intake