Israeli defense ministry officials told their Pentagon counterparts that the US underestimates the danger from Tehran. Israel is also seeking more US-made F-35s, F-15s, and KC-46As.
By Arie EgoziTo illustrate the urgency, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. General Aviv Kochavi flew last week in an old CH-53 (Yasur) in a scenario of long-range flights that moved a team of special commandos deep into “enemy” territory to demonstrate the rescue of a downed pilot.
By Arie EgoziTEL AVIV: Israel’s Ministry of Defense and high command have hammered out an emergency plan for an appeal to Washington to make changes in the Foreign Military Funds (FMF) agreement between the U.S and Israel. The situation created by the pandemic is having a huge effect on the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) new multi-year plan…
By Arie EgoziCongress stopped the US Army from cancelling advanced procurement, while Germany, Israel, and the UK are all potential purchasers – but none has signed a production contract yet.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.An IDF team has been taking test flights aboard Lockheed Martin’s new CH-53K in Maryland, but Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook is in the running too — and both programs could use a boost against their American critics.
By Arie EgoziAs a first step, Kochavi wants to increase the capabilities of the IDF’s “Spearhead” units – the special units that hit fast and strong. This part of the plan explains the urgent need for a replacement for the old CH-53 of the Israeli Air Force, as well as for the Bell-Boeing V-22.
By Arie EgoziDan Schultz, Sikorsky president, calls the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter an “optimally piloted” aircraft that allows ease of flying even in hellish weather conditions.
By Theresa HitchensTEL AVIV: As the Middle Eastern kettle boils hotter, Israel is striving to improve the readiness and efficiency of its forces with regional exercises aimed, in part, at building de facto regional alliances. Syrian news agencies are reporting another air attack on the Russian-aligned country on June 12. According to Syrian news agencies, the…
By Arie EgoziThe Marines are hellbent on fielding the troubled CH-53K helicopter to supply the far-flung island outposts they plan on using against China.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.The phone call between President-elect Trump and the President of Taiwan sent shock waves through the diplomatic community. But it is time to turn the page and include Taiwan in shaping a 21st century deterrence strategy for Pacific defense. The People’s Republic of China has made it clear that the regime is moving out into…
By Ed Timperlake and Robbin LairdCAPITOL HILL: UPDATE BEGINS The administration’s nominee for Marine Corps Commandant, Lt. Gen. Bob Neller, set off a firestorm from Sen. John McCain this morning. After two hours of an otherwise congenial confirmation hearing, the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman erupted over Neller’s description of the current administration strategy against the Islamic State. That strategy relies on airpower and advisors…
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.CAPITOL HILL: Marines pride themselves on being ready for anything. But as of today, 19 percent of their air fleet is out of action “long-term” awaiting repairs and spares, the deputy commandant for aviation said today. “It’s 158 — actually, today, 159 aircraft — that the taxpayer paid $8.4 billion dollars for,” said Lt. Gen.…
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
The Coming Of The America Class: A Driver of Innovation
A christening of a ship of the line is rare. When it happens, thoughts of how that ship might be used, where it might operate and how it might make new naval history are part of the excitement. This was clearly evident at the Oct. 20 christening of the USS America, the fourth ship of…
By Robbin Laird