Israel to buy US Military Helicopters, Refueling Planes

The new helicopters will replace the Sikorsky CH-53 Yas’ur heavy-lift aircraft that have been in use since the late 1960s. And, the KC-46, will replace Israel’s Ram (Boeing 707) tanker aircraft, the number of which remains confidential, are former civilian aircraft adapted for military uses such as aerial refueling for fighter jets embarked on long-range missions, as well as its fleet of transport aircraft.

The ministry said the first helicopters were due to arrive in the occupied territories in 2026. An Israeli government committee gave the approval for the purchase last month after the Biden administration also waved it through in July.

The ministry said the deal is worth around $3.1 billion, adding that the procurement is "part of a wider program to strengthen the capabilities of the IDF [Israeli Defense Forces] and preparedness to face current and developing threats." It (the deal) comes days after a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said that the global arms industry was flourishing despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier in May, the Biden administration approved a sale of $735 million precision-guided weapons to the Zionist regime. Some progressive Democrats have urged the US Congress, which must approve these types of arms deals, to take a tougher stance against Israel's government.