120 Squadron is a squadron of the Israeli Air Force, also known as the Desert Giants (formerly International Squadron).
The squadron was originally formed in 1962 flying Douglas C-47 Dakotas. It now flies Boeing 707 and IAI 1124N Westwind SeaScan aircraft from Nevatim Airbase.[1]
An undisclosed[2] number (sources suggest seven[3]) of converted Boeing 707 (the 707 Re’em) aircraft with flying booms operate as part of the squadron. Israel's fleet are former civilian aircraft adapted for military uses such as aerial refueling of combat aircraft and transport. Able to carry 20 extra fuel tanks while modified for aerial refueling, the Re’ems can be adapted to carry passengers as well as cargo such as military equipment and ammunition. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the planes have also been used to carry medical equipment.
The Jerusalem Post wrote in September 2020 that the squadron will receive Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft.[2] Six months earlier, on 3 March 2020, The State Department had approved the Foreign Military Sale to Israel of eight KC-46s and related equipment for a cost of $2.4 billion.[4]
References edit
- ^ "120 Squadron - The International". Globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 18 January 2009. Retrieved 2008-12-14.
- ^ a b "120th 'Desert Giants' Squadron expands the long reach of the IAF". Jerusalem Post. 18 September 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
- ^ "World Air Forces 2021". Flightglobal Insight. 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
- ^ "Israel – KC-46A Aerial Refueling Aircraft | The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency". dsca.mil. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
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