Tel Aviv. Israeli Air Force (IAF) wants more F-35 and additional F-15, this time the x version. In the coming weeks a decision is expected on the proportions–what to purchase first and the mix between the two types.
According to the foreign media, IAF F-35 took active part in some attacks performed in recent years against Iranian targets in Syria. However, it is not the only aircraft.
But the IAF has expressed its need for another fighter aircraft that can be loaded with some types of weapon systems developed in Israel, that are tailored to destroy “hardened” targets.
Recently, the US Air Force awarded Boeing a nearly $1.2 billion contract to build the first lot of eight F-15EX advanced fighter jets to help the service meet its capacity requirements and add capability to its fighter fleet.
The award also covers support and one-time upfront engineering costs. Already underconstruction at the Boeing F-15 production facility in St. Louis, the first two jets deliver next “The F-15EX carries more weapons than any other fighter in its class, and can launch hyper sonic weapons up to 22 feet long and weighing up to 7,000 pounds.
The fight between Lockheed Martin and Boeing in Israel is reaching a critical point where a decision is expected on the preferences of the IAF – first more F-35, or first the F-15 Israeli Advanced (IA) that is similar to the configuration of the F-15 X.
The Israeli sources assess that the overall package will be defined by mid-2021 and will be signed at the end of next year.
When the IAF made a decision to buy both more F-15 and more F-35 it was based on the assumption that in future combat scenarios, the targets will be protected by very advanced air defense systems. This will require a first wave of F-35 to neutralise the air defense systems and then the “trucks” with heavy loads of very advanced weapon systems, some that are in development.
-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
