Israel plans to buy two Boeing-made KC-46 military aerial refuelling tankers in a $500 million deal to be financed with US military aid, Reuters reports quoting the Israeli defence ministry.

It said it would sign the contract with the US government once an Israeli ministerial committee for defence procurement grants its approval.

The military already operates four Boeing-made KC-46 aerial tankers, the defence ministry said in a statement.

Ministry Director General Amir Baram said in the statement that the aircraft would strengthen the military’s long-range strategic capabilities, enabling it to operate farther afield with greater force and with increased scope.

The statement said the contract would include equipping the planes with Israeli systems, which it did not specify.