TEL AVIV: After a long internal debate, Israel’s military has decided to buy both another Lockheed Martin F-35 squadron AND another Boeing F-15 squadron, in a deal estimated at $3 billion. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) general staff’s decision reflects the scope of missions the IAF will have to deal with in any major confrontation, especially one…
By Arie Egozi“The US is going out of this region, and that is creating a new, very critical situation,” an Israeli source said.
By Arie EgoziA senior military source told Breaking Defense that both competitors are needed and the question is — is who will get bought first: “The IAF needs 75 F-35s and the advanced version of the F-15, and the question is, who will be the first to be purchased.”
By Arie Egozi and Colin ClarkThe Israeli Air Force just wrapped up a “Blue Flag” wargame with the US & European allies and a real war with Islamic Jihad in Gaza.
By Arie Egozi“Last year 78 percent of the IAF’s operational flight hours were performed by UAS. This year the number jumped and is 80 percent,” Lt. Col. S. told me at the Tel-Nof Air Force base, where the largest Israeli drone, the Heron-TP flies from. Breaking Defense was granted exclusive access to the White Eagle squadron there.
By Arie EgoziAn 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 EgoziThe Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) ground forces command want an immediate replacement for the CH-53 . “It is natural that operational needs differ, but this is the task of the highest command to evaluate the needs and make a decision,” a senior Israeli defense official said.
By Arie EgoziLast month, the defense ministry issued official inquiries into acquiring both aircraft — but, for now, the budget can buy only one.
By Arie EgoziNew restrictions on US aid to Israel is driving companies to seek American partners.
By Arie EgoziIsraeli experts fear that the Iranian attacks aim to drive a wedge between the US and Europe.
By Arie EgoziTEL 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 EgoziIt’s a global coming-out party for the precision munition, already used by the Israeli Air Force in Syria.
By Arie EgoziTEL AVIV: Until last week there was a shadow war, fought behind closed doors, mainly in the highly guarded complex of the Israeli Defense Ministry and the Israeli Air Force headquarters in Tel Aviv. And in some newspapers. But now the war has gone public and the big guns could be heard all over Israel’s…
By Arie EgoziIt began in low voices behind closed doors but some days ago the battle for US military aid turned to open war. The first skirmish is being fought over the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) advanced aerial refueling aircraft meant to replace its aging converted Boeing 707s.
By Arie Egozi