IAI concludes tests on refueling plane for Colombia

IAI converted the Boeing 767 airliner for air-to-air refueling of Colombia Air Force Kfir fighter bombers.

5 September 10 20:30, Yuval Azulai

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1) has successfully completed tests of a Boeing 767 tanker for use by the Colombia Air Force. IAI converted the airliner for air-to-air refueling of Colombia Air Force Kfir fighter bombers, which Israel upgraded. The estimated cost of the upgrade and the tanker conversion was $60 million.

IAI's tests of the tanker included its ability to air-to-air refueling in a range of conditions, which will greatly extend the Kfir's operational range. Sources believe that the Colombia Air Force operates 20-30 Kfirs, which it bought from Israel over a decade ago, after the planes were in use by the Israel Air Force.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 5, 2010

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