A customised Israeli F-35, known as an Adir<\/p>\n
The IDF looks set to receive more top-line U.S. military hardware, much of it no doubt heavily subsidised by U.S. taxpayers. The hardware includes advanced munitions, heavy-lift helicopters and a third squadron of F-35s made to IDF specifications, and Boeing aerial refuelling tankers.<\/p>\n
These last few items would be crucial if Israel were to strike Iran and we would suggest that is precisely why it is acquiring them; with a view to launching long-range air strikes against Iran\u2019s nuclear facilities.<\/p>\n
Right now that would be a bit of a stretch for the Israeli Air Force operating on its own. However, with another squadron of F-35s and new aerial refuelling tankers the IDF could pull this off with little or no U.S. support. Although this assumes that the F-35 will perform faultlessly and dupe Iran’s extensive air defences.<\/p>\n
However, Iran today is far more formidable than Iraq at the time of Israel’s air strike<\/a> on its unfinished nuclear reactor. So there is absolutely no guarantee that Israel could accomplish this on its own<\/p>\n In which case the U.S. would then be expected to step in and protect Israel from Iran\u2019s retaliatory missile strikes. Ed.<\/p>\n Israel, a major operator of American military equipment<\/a> and platforms, will be importing even more equipment top-of-the-line air force hardware and more from the United States.<\/p>\n In a recent tweet<\/a>, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced a large acquisition deal signed with the U.S. saying \u201cFollowing gov. approval of the IDF acquisition plan, the MOD has begun to construct procurement programs. These are conducted with US Military channels, utilizing Foreign Military Financing. The first LOA was signed over the weekend for the procurement of 2 Boeing Tanker Jets.\u201d<\/p>\n The tankers would in all likelihood be KC-46 aircraft, a Boeing project that has been described by one Air Force general as a lemon<\/a> due to astronomical cost overruns and mechanical issues with the new tanker design. Instead of opting for a rear-facing window with which to direct the tanker\u2019s refueling boom, the KC-46 opted for a complex camera and computer system that required an expensive redesign to ensure safe operation.<\/p>\n In addition to the KC-46, Israel is preparing to likely procure a third F-35I squadron<\/a> and a heavy-lift capability. \u201cSimilar processes will be launched to acquire a third F35 squadron, heavy-lift Helicopters to replace the CH53 Yasur fleet, advanced munitions and more.\u201d<\/p>\n The F-35I<\/a> is the Israeli version of the United States\u2019 F-35 stealth fighter<\/a> and the only export version that has been cleared for customization<\/a> by the United States. In addition to supporting Israeli software<\/a>, the Israeli Air Force would eventually like to integrate conformal fuel tanks onto the stealth fighter\u2019s airframe to extend range without compromising its stealth characteristics.<\/p>\n It has been suggested that Israeli KC-46s could also be tailor-made to Israeli specifications like the F-35Is<\/a> have been, which may circumvent the design issues experienced by the platform, although that remains to be seen.<\/p>\n The IDF underlined the closeness of the U.S.-Israeli defense relationship, stating that \u201cthe procurement plan based on U.S. security assistance is crucial to strengthening the IAF and for the IDF\u2019s QME (Qualitative Military Edge) in the decades to come.\u201d Israeli currently operates CH-53 a powerful though somewhat aged heavy-lift cargo and assault helicopter. It is unclear which direction Israel will go for their heavy lift replacement.<\/p>\nIsraeli Air Force Could Soon Have More F-35 Fighters<\/h1>\n
Caleb Larson \u2013 1945.com Feb 23, 2021<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Coming Soon to the Israeli Air Force: More F-35s?<\/strong><\/h3>\n