Forum: Program and politics

IAF looking for second stealth fighter squadron By YAAKOV KATZ Feb/21/2012 By REUTERS

"Goal is to qualify for long-range missions; if ordered over next year, more F-35s could arrive by 2020."

http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=258666

"The Israel Air Force is moving forward with plans to purchase a second squadron of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and hopes to be able to place the order in the coming year and after resolving the standoff with the Treasury over the defense budget.

According to initial plans, the IAF would place the order for the second squadron in late 2012-early 2013 and begin receiving the planes in 2020. It is possible however that the US would attach the new squadron to the one ordered in 2010 and expedite the delivery if the order is placed soon.

Israel finalized the procurement of its first squadron of 20 F-35s in a $2.75 billion deal in October, 2010....

...The second contract would likely be for a similar number of aircraft and could mean – depending on when the second deal is signed – that the IAF could have 40 operational aircraft by the end of the decade. Nehushtan recently decided that the F- 35s would be operated out of the Nevatim air force base in the Negev...."

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Cantor, Hoyer look to speed sale of F-35 aircraft to Israel
By Pete Kasperowicz - 03/06/12 08:54 AM ET

"House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) proposed pro-Israel legislation on Monday that would require the Obama administration to submit reports to Congress on how to speed the sale of F-35 fighter aircraft to Israel."

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/h ... -to-israel

http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=272939

Thu, Jun 7, 2012

IDF moves forward on second JSF squadron

By YAAKOV KATZ

06/06/2012 18:01

Decision to continue comes despite reports of possible delays, rising costs. Israel could have 40 aircraft by end of decade. The IDF plans to approve the procurement of a second squadron of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters at a meeting of the General Staff later this month that will convene to finalize the military’s multi-year program.

Called Oz (Hebrew for Strength), the new multi-year program is scheduled to go into effect towards the end of the year. Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz will oversee deliberations on the program over the next few weeks and will bring the final plan to the government for approval.

Related: Team goes to US to tailor F-35s for IAF One of the plan’s key elements is expected to be the procurement of a second squadron of F-35s despite reports of possible delays and a rise in cost......

Israel placed an order for its first squadron of F- 35s in October 2010 for $2.75 billion. Under the deal, Israel was supposed to receive 20 aircraft but the number could drop due to the rising cost per plane. The aircraft are expected to begin arriving in Israel sometime in 2017. (2017 would implement in LRIP VIII Smile

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The fifth-generation stealth F-35 is purported to be one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world with the ability to fly undetected in enemy territory. Its uniqueness stems not only from its stealth capabilities but also due to its integrated sensor suite which provides pilots with unprecedented situational awareness and enables the sharing of information between the various aircraft.

The second contract would likely be of a similar number of aircraft and could mean – depending on when the second deal is signed – that the IAF could have 40 operational aircraft by the end of the decade....