When the ‘Gideon’ squadron set out, the mission was clear: to operate the world’s most advanced refueling aircraft within about a year, enabling the Air Force to reach any point on the map in a single flight. Equipped with a 3D ‘boom’ system and the capacity to carry 30 tons, the first ‘Gideon’ landed yesterday at Nevatim base – with the hope of soon taking off for physical training.
This moment was preceded by an entire process on a scale not seen before in the IDF. “It’s not for nothing that experienced personnel from all corners of the Air Force were recruited for the project,” describes Lieutenant L., squadron operations officer, “personnel from fighter, transport, and refueling squadrons, control centers, control towers, and many others.”
When the new tankers enter service, they are expected to bring with them several cutting-edge technological capabilities. Among them is the ability to carry over 30 tons of cargo and 200,000 pounds of fuel, stored in a special configuration that allows for the transport of combatants and equipment, and the evacuation of casualties – while simultaneously conducting operational refueling missions.
In addition, the aircraft is equipped with a 3D ‘boom’ system and additional instrumentation, with the help of which it will be able to refuel a variety of aircraft much more efficiently than its predecessors, and even two at once. And perhaps one of the most significant changes – instead of 2 crew members, a third navigator is now involved, in accordance with the complex missions that will now become possible.
Bottom line, the ‘Gideon’ increases refueling capacity compared to the ‘Ram’ aircraft currently in service, extends continuous strike ranges by thousands of kilometers, and creates operational freedom and sustained deterrence in distant theaters. “The world is small for aircraft of this type,” declares the squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel A., “they can reach wherever the Air Force wants, alone or as part of a formation.”
“We have been in a combat routine for some time now that requires us to reach places we have never been before,” explains Lieutenant L., “In Israel, they have already understood the value of a refueling aircraft, especially a 5th generation advanced one. And we see how important it is for us to have this capability independently, without being dependent on external factors.”
From the moment the landing date was set, preparations began from all angles, both the obvious and the less so. From ‘intelligence gathering’ – what works well in existing squadrons and how to leverage it, to translating the aircraft’s new capabilities into daily practice. This phase included mission profiling, redefining flight paths and navigation points, and even choosing a name and symbol.
The squadron’s name is derived from the biblical leader who fought the Midianites with an army of about 300 warriors. This is why, according to the commander of Nevatim base, Brigadier General D., the number 300 will be emblazoned on the tails of the aircraft – to humbly continue the legacy of defending the people.
From here, the establishment team moved on to defining the critical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will guide the aircraft’s operations from now on. “Before the aircraft arrived, we built a theoretical foundation that would allow for rapid progress to physical training,” says the operations officer, “This way, we can integrate into ongoing operational activities in the most efficient way possible.”
Yesterday, as the wheels touched the runway, an entire squadron awaited the new tanker, having prepared behind the scenes – including planning the first operations where it will demonstrate its advantages. “We already have some of the plans that will be presented to the aircrews as soon as permission is given to take off,” reveals Private A., intelligence, navigation, and debriefing NCO, “We will continue to learn about the aircraft, and over time, utilize it in the field in the best way possible.”
“It’s a very great excitement to start the journey,” concludes the operations officer, “Until yesterday, we were in the crazy phase of establishing the squadron from scratch, and now I am sure that everyone is already looking forward to the first sorties, to refine a little more each time, to adapt and update in order to truly make history.”
