The Israeli Air Force (IAF) recently carried out one of its most ambitious long-range missions in decades, striking Houthi targets in Yemen. In this daring operation, Israel’s aging Boeing 707 tankers played a crucial role, and a video released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed something particularly intriguing—a glimpse at the secretive Remote Vision System (RVS) used on these old but important planes.
The Mission
The strike on Yemen was part of Israel’s growing efforts against Iran-backed militant groups like the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hamas in Gaza. The video from the IDF shows Israel’s powerful F-35I Adir stealth jets and F-15C/D fighters in action. These fighter jets are the backbone of Israel’s air power, and during this mission, they flew a great distance over the Red Sea to reach their targets.
The Role of the 707 Tanker
A vital piece of this puzzle was the Israeli Air Force’s Boeing 707 tanker. These planes are responsible for refueling fighter jets mid-air, allowing them to stay in the sky longer and cover great distances. The Boeing 707 is quite old, having been introduced in the late 1970s, but it remains a key part of Israel’s long-range strike capabilities.
The video revealed how the 707 tanker worked with the F-35s, flying alongside them and refueling them over the Red Sea. It also offered a rare view of Saudi Arabia’s coastline, showing just how far these planes traveled to complete their mission.
The Secret Remote Vision System
What makes this video even more exciting is that it provides a glimpse into the little-known Remote Vision System (RVS) on the 707 tanker. This technology helps the boom operator, the person responsible for refueling the jets, to see what’s happening behind the plane as they guide the refueling boom into position.
Israel has been using this system for years, and the video gives one of the best looks we’ve had of how it works. The boom operator sits in the main cabin of the tanker, using cameras and special 3D glasses to see what’s happening at the back of the aircraft. This setup allows them to perform precise refueling operations without being in direct line of sight.
Interestingly, while Israel’s older RVS seems to work without many issues, the U.S. Air Force has faced problems with its own version of this technology on their KC-46 Pegasus tankers, which are much newer. The Israeli system may be old, but it’s reliable, and that has made a big difference in missions like this.
Why Is This Important?
Israel’s Boeing 707 tankers are few in number, with only around seven still in service. Despite their age, these planes are considered essential assets because they enable Israel to strike distant targets. Without them, long-range missions, like the one over Yemen, would be nearly impossible.
The tankers don’t just refuel jets; they also serve as flying command centers, equipped with advanced communications technology. This allows them to keep in touch with other aircraft and command centers, sharing critical information during missions. Their role in networking and coordination is just as important as their refueling capabilities.
A Look at the Future
Even though the 707s are still valuable, Israel is planning to replace them with the newer KC-46 tankers from the U.S. The KC-46s are expected to arrive in a few years, starting in 2026. When they do, they will have an updated and improved version of the Remote Vision System, along with many other advanced features.
Until then, Israel’s aging 707s will continue to be a key part of its air force, supporting long-range strikes and ensuring that its fighter jets can reach distant targets.
The Bigger Picture
This strike on Yemen is part of a larger campaign Israel is waging against Iran-backed forces across the region. While the Houthis in Yemen have been launching missiles toward Israel, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza are also threats. The mission was a clear signal to Iran and its allies that Israel can strike wherever it needs to, using its advanced military capabilities.
The video from the IDF not only showcases the impressive coordination of this mission but also reveals how Israel continues to rely on its tried-and-true technology—like the Boeing 707 tankers and their RVS—to stay ahead of its enemies.
