Israel Plans to Buy Over 100 F-35sPosted 27-Jun-2006 09:23
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F-35A head-on
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In an exclusive interview, Israeli Air Force (IAF) chief procurement officer Brigadier-General Ze'ev Snir told Israel's Globes publication that F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was a key part of their IAF recapitalization plans, and that Israel intends to buy over 100 of the fighters to replace their F-16s over time. The 100-plane deal will cost at least $5 billion by Israeli estimates, and will be the F-35A conventional take-off Air Force version. Snir added that "The IAF would be happy to equip itself with 24 F-22s but the problem at this time is the US refusal to sell the plane, and its $200 million price tag."
Access to the F-35's software source code remains a live issue for the Israelis, as it has been with the Australians [PDF format], British, and others. That access is necessary for countries that want to upgrade the aircraft's computers, and/or integrate new weapons, communications, or electronic warfare systems. Israeli planes generally undergo heavy modifications to incorporate Israeli electronics and weapons systems, and the F-35 will be no exception. The US has allowed the Israelis access to the F-15 and F-16's software after development was complete, and Snir is confident the F-35A's computers will not be an issue. He reiterated that there was "no dispute with the US that IAF F-35s would include Israeli communications and electronic warfare technologies and missiles developed by Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd."
Israel is also reportedly considering several near-term IAF procurements, including a possible buy of 6 C-130J Hercules transports plus associated support & equipment at a cost of about $500 million, as well as a $100 million upgrade of Sikorsky CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters to extend their operational lifespan by 20
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/06/israel-plans-to-buy-over-100-f35s/index.php
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Bueno, para los que no sepan ingles se dice que Israel está negociando la adquisición de un total de 100 cazabombarderos F-35 Lighting II valuados inicialmente en unos 5.000 millones de dólares. Los primeros ejemplares serían entregados a partir del 2014 y aunque se presume que se trata de la versión convencional, F-35A, no se descarta que quizás un escuadrón reciba los STOVL F-35B.
Según trascendió la fuerza aérea israelí ya informó de los requerimientos de equipos
Electrónicos y sistemas de comunicaciones, junto con otros requisitos específicos que no han tomado estado público.
De este modo el F-35 hace pié en Medio Oriente y será entonces Israel su primer usuario en la región. Será interesante conocer qué equipos ha solicitado aparte de los revolucionarios equipos que ya dispone el F-35 como el radar AESA AN/APG-81, el sistema de visión y adquisición automática IR de 360 grados DAS (Distributed Aperture System) y el sensor frontal para la adquisición de objetivos ETOS (Electro-Optical Targeting System).
