U.S. Defense Department Requests Restock of Missile Inceptors and Other Systems – Many of which protect Israel

According to a Bloomberg report, the U.S. Defense Department has requested more than $3.5 billion to restock missile interceptors and other systems used to protect Israel during recent clashes with Iran. Pentagon budget documents cite operations conducted alongside Israel to defend its territory, personnel, and assets, particularly during the April 2024 attack when Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones, most of which were intercepted by Israel, the U.S., and other allies. Around $1 billion of the request covers a single interceptor type used in that assault.

The documents appear to have been drafted before the June 2024 war, yet they also include reimbursement for U.S. Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptors—both newly produced rounds and those fired in combat. Bloomberg notes that SM-3s were used by American forces in the June fighting.

This funding request is separate from the $4.2 billion in weapons and equipment Washington supplied to Israel between the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, assault and May 2024, and stems from a $14 billion aid package Congress approved last year.

Israel first agreed in 2022 to purchase four KC-46 refueling aircraft from Boeing, with an option to acquire four more. Although none of the planes have yet been delivered, the Defense Ministry has now decided to exercise part of that option by ordering two additional aircraft, bringing the total on order to six.

The latest deal, worth about $500 million, will be financed through the $3.8 billion in annual US military aid that Israel receives under the current 10-year defense memorandum of understanding. Defense Ministry director Amir Baram has instructed Israel’s procurement mission in the US to finalize the contract once it is cleared by the Defense Procurement Ministerial Committee.

Baram said the KC-46s will enhance the Israeli Air Force’s long-range reach, enabling it to operate more forcefully in distant arenas. Boeing Israel president Ido Nehushtan, meanwhile, praised the new order as another milestone in the company’s long-standing partnership with Israel.

The KC-46 is a multi-role aircraft primarily designed for mid-air refueling but also capable of military transport. It will gradually replace Israel’s current fleet of KC-130 Hercules and converted Boeing 707s, the latter of which played a critical role in Israel’s June war against Iran.