Israel is buying two more aerial refueling aircraft to boost its long-range strike capability against Iran, Israeli outlet Ynet reported, as the Revolutionary Guards’ chief warned Saturday of harsher retaliation in any renewed conflict.
Israel ordered two more Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft as part of a $500-million deal with Boeing to expand its future fleet to six, the report said.
"The move aims to enable sustained air operations deep into Iran and shorten future combat rounds against Tehran,” according to the Ynet report.
The KC-46s will replace Israel’s current refueling fleet which were used in operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen and during the 12-day war with Iran in June.
During the 12-day war, the Israeli air force achieved air superiority over Iran, according to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12.
Israel launched a surprise military campaign on June 13 targeting Iran's military and nuclear sites, killing 1,062 people including 276 civilians.
Iran responded with missile strikes that killed 31 civilians and one off-duty soldier, according to official figures published by the Israeli government.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire in late June, Iran and Israel’s armed forces have been preparing for a possible resumption of conflict, with military leaders on both sides vowing readiness for further strikes.
Iran vows crushing response
In Tehran, Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander-in-chief Mohammad Pakpour warned of harsher strikes on Israel if the war resumes.
“If aggression is repeated, Israel will face a crushing response that will make it regret it,” he said.
Earlier this week, the Islamic Republic's top security official Ali Larijani said Tehran must remain prepared for a fresh round of conflict as the war with Israel is not over.
The Islamic Republic needs to "create capacities so that the enemy will not be tempted to take action again," Larijani said in an interview with the Supreme Leader's official website, published on Friday.
"Right now, since we are engaged in a war currently paused by a ceasefire, this is therefore an important matter that we must pay attention to."
