All that remains is to advance the delivery schedule: the Ministry of Defense has signed the agreement to purchase transport helicopters and refueling aircraft. The scope of the deal is estimated at about $2 billion. 

The US Department of Defense's procurement delegation has signed an agreement (LOA) to purchase 12 helicopters made by the American company Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky, which will replace the Air Force's old storm helicopters.

At the same time, the head of the Ministry of Defense's procurement delegation signed an agreement to purchase two more Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft. The amount of the deal from US aid funds is estimated at $1.1 billion. The refueling aircraft, which will be added to two refuelers that have already been purchased (4 aircraft in total) will be adapted to the Israeli configuration and the operational requirements of the Air Force. In addition, Israeli systems will also be integrated into the aircraft.

The acquisition of the platforms is part of a large-scale move, promoted by the Ministry of Defense together with the IDF over the past year and a half, to strengthen the IDF's capabilities and build strength in the face of existing and future threats. The U.S. program includes equipping a new squadron of "Mighty" (F35) aircraft, refuelers (KC-46), CH-53K assault helicopter replacement helicopters, advanced air armament, air defense systems, new marine and terrestrial platforms and cyber and digital issues.

The procurement components were summed up by the Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, in a series of dedicated discussions with all the relevant parties. The budget was approved by the Ministerial Committee for Equipping as well as by the Joint Committee for the Defense Budget in the Knesset, in accordance with the law.

Image: Lockheed Martin