Posted on 04/28/2010 9:55:52 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Two recent rounds of US/Israeli talks about the sale of Lockheed Martin F-35s to the Israeli air force have ended with the same gap that has so far prevented the signature of a letter of agreement.
The talks are to resume in May, with Israeli sources saying that "more time and goodwill is needed before an agreement can be signed".
Discussions have centred on major issues, including the extent to which Israel will be allowed to install its own electronic warfare systems in the stealth fighter, and the extent of industrial co-operation for its companies.
The Israeli air force is also objecting to a plan to send systems or complete aircraft to a European support centre, most probably in Italy.
These matters and others will be discussed during the next round of talks, says the defence ministry. "There are some issues to be discussed and there is an effort to reach an agreement . This will take time."
A so-called Security Cooperation Participant on the Joint Strike Fighter project, Israel is expected to sign an initial deal to acquire around 20 conventional take-off and landing F-35As.
(Excerpt) Read more at flightglobal.com ...
The F-35 outgrew its mission profile IMHO. It has become the proverbial camel: a mouse built to government specifications.
In attempting to meet all goals it now can meet none. It has become an F-22 competitor — a competition it cannot win.
The list, ping
First, I've never heard the F-35 called a "stealth" fighter before. Sure, they worked to reduce it's radar cross section, but I didn't think it was anywhere near being considered "stealth."
Second, hey, they buy them, why can't they install anything they want in them? That's like buying an F-150 and Ford trying to tell you that you can't put Goodyear tires on it, only BF Goodrich...
It’s not the same as you buying a Ford pick-up. It’s a state-of-the-art war plane, and negotiating what can be done to it or how much access to code the customer nation has is routine.
Two recent rounds of US/Israeli talks about the sale of Lockheed Martin F-35s to the Israeli air force have ended with the same gap that has so far prevented the signature of a letter of agreement.Gosh, I wonder why that happened? [insert Zero bowing to his Saudi royal master] Thanks sonofstrangelove.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.