Satellite Images Reveal U.S. Buildup of Aerial Refueling Aircraft at Ramon Airport

Recent satellite imagery reveals a significant increase in the number of U.S. aerial refueling aircraft stationed at Ramon Airport in southern Israel.

Sentinel-2 satellite imagery captured on July 18 shows at least 23 aerial refueling aircraft parked on the airport's aprons.

A comparison with satellite images captured earlier this month indicates a substantial increase in the number of refueling aircraft deployed to support ongoing air operations.

Based on measurements derived from the satellite imagery, the aircraft have an approximate wingspan of 39 meters (128 feet) and a length of 40 meters (131 feet), dimensions consistent with the U.S. Air Force's Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft.

Separately, Israel's Channel 13 reported that U.S. aerial refueling aircraft were evacuated from Ramon Airport, near Eilat, following an Iranian strike on the Jordanian city of Aqaba. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 shows that an aerial refueling aircraft departed the vicinity of the airport after the evacuation order was issued.

Earlier this year, Misbar's team documented expansion and infrastructure upgrades at Ramon Airport before the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began in February. The team identified new construction within the Israeli air base, including work on sections of the main runway, new operational facilities and hangars believed to be reinforced, deep in the Negev Desert and away from the front lines.

Read More

Satellite Imagery Analysis: Misbar Documents Rapid Changes at Israel’s Ramon Air Base

Navigation Data Reveals Tanker ASANA's Route After Somali Pirate Hijacking in the Gulf of Aden