Israel and the U.S. are renegotiating their 30-billion dollar weapons (military aid) deal. Israel wants a clause in the amended deal that commits the U.S. to maintaining Israel's QME or "qualitative military edge."
They won't come out and say it in so many words but Israeli officials want America to ensure that Israel gets the latest and greatest U.S. weaponry, not its Arab neighbours.
That could come back to haunt them if Israel ends up with "latest and greatest" F-35s while their regional rivals end up with other planes that are not F-35s. And more of them because whatever they are, they're probably far cheaper.
ReplyDeleteBe careful what you wish for.
Curious you should mention that, PLG. Israel is currently slated to be the first foreign air force to go operational with the F-35.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand of the F-35's glaring lack of performance,range dependence on cluster fuck groups of Mother Ships and Fuel Tankers and fantasy non-existent stealth abilities those who consider Israel a threat are probably happy to hear that is what the IDF Air Arm's handicap will be!
ReplyDelete