Tel Aviv. Israel government approved the purchase of another squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35 and four Boeing KC-46 A aerial refueling aircraft.
Israel will ask the US administration to make an effort to start the delivery of the KC-46A aa early as possible, as they are going to replace the old 707s used for aerial refueling missions.
Only recently US$9 billion procurement budget was approved.
This budget will mostly allow the Israeli air force (IAF) to answer its operational needs.
The IAF currently operates 24 F-35, out of the 50 under order. The original plan is to purchase 75 stealth fighters.
The US$9 billion budget is based on the FMF agreement between Israel and the US. The decision about some additional platforms has been delayed and will be made probably after the March elections. The most urgent decision is about the replacement for the old CH-53.
As reported by Raksha Anirveda the options are – the Lockheed Martin CH-53 K and the Boeing CH-47.
The delayed decision is explained by the need to decide on the combination between the new heavy helicopter and the V-22 needed by the Israel defence forces (IDF) Depth command.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
