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Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Israel: F-35s for never-ending war
2007-12-30
Interesting article re: Israel's desire to take delivery of a squadron of F-35s ASAP and a controversy over how to equip them. The print version of this story was titled 'Never-ending War'.

A lot of the contention mentioned here re: avionics etc. reflects different priorities. Due to Israel's small size, the tactical/sub-tactical nature of most of its engagements and the desire to support domestic companies, many Israeli military prefer highly-tailored custom avionics, ELINT and armaments over the broader range of capabilities the US generally designs into our fighter aircraft.
Posted by:lotp

#6  Defense Tech ran this a couple weeks ago. Some excellent snark directed at Israel re a plane they have not paid to develop, believe to have over-rated stealth and want as many of as soon as possible:

http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003910.html

I am radically pro-Israel but in this case I believe the snark is deserved. We are nuts to risk passing any of this technology on to China.
Posted by: Excalibur   2007-12-30 18:54  

#5  I believe Israel also wants ELINT that her neighbors can't counteract.
Posted by: Eric Jablow   2007-12-30 16:57  

#4  good post - I would hope that we can provide Israel with the best package possible, that they can't sell to China and our enemies

Posted by: Frank G   2007-12-30 16:27  

#3  Yes, a good part of the F-35's design integrates the electronics systems into the overall airframe. So it isn't a matter of the fully-fitted out F-35 vs. an empty Harrier for IAI's subcontractors to fill. Much more than in the past, avionics, flight control, ELINT and related systems are integrated tightly with the airframe to make a tightly-coupled system.
Posted by: lotp   2007-12-30 14:31  

#2  If I understand correctly, the F-35 program has probably spent a lot more on electronics and integrating them into the airframe than they did on the airframe to begin with.
Posted by: Abdominal Snowman   2007-12-30 14:10  

#1  If they don't like the F35's 'goodies', they can always go back to the Brit's for an 'empty' Harrier that will suit their needs! The local boys would be happy to fill it's bowels too!!
Posted by: smn   2007-12-30 13:26  

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