http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... sa-390082/The Israeli air force says it will only evaluate a US offer to sell it surplus Boeing KC-135 tankers if the aircraft involved are R-model examples.
Washington has so far only proposed the sale of three KC-135Es, worth around $200 million.
Israeli sources say the air force has made it clear it prefers the CFM56-powered R-model aircraft.
Israeli sources say that if the USA agrees to supply the longer-range KC-135R a deal could include 12 examples, to be transferred after undergoing depot maintenance in the USA.
The air force intends to use two of the aircraft for VIP transport applications, the sources add.
The Israeli government has for some years evaluated options for an "Air Force One"-type capability to conduct missions such as flying the nation's prime minister to foreign countries.