After long negotiations with Lockheed and the DOD, Israel has put in its first order of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The first squadron of 25 planes being put in a formal letter of request from the Pentagon. The main issues for Israel are the ability to use indigenous technology, including warfare and communication systems, and the ability to independently maintain the planes rather than having to send them to the US for maintenance.In a second stage purchase, Israel plans to buy 50 planes, some with vertical takeoff and landing ability. Sweet! Can I have one? It would make my commute that much faster, and I wouldn't have to worry about speeding (though it might be inconvenient for the local news' traffic helicopters).
Negotiations are still being finalized on price, and the indigenous technology issue, though I had seen where this was largely being agreed to and is no longer the huge obstacle it was before. Inserting indigenous technology like guidance systems, etc is standard practice for the IAF.
Purchase is expected to be taken in 2014.
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2 comments:
Shtuey, I connot express in words my appreciation of you ... even tho I have been working too much to be around to comment ...
here .... let me serve and toast you with a nice glass of summery pinot noir with very cold watermelon pieces in it ....delish !
Swan, always you are the gracious goddess. My compliments on the aperitif.
Your presence and encouragement has and will always be welcome. Working in the ways you do, you have reminded me that I've been so busy that some things have been escaping my attention. For instance; I've been meaning to construct a blidget for your blog to post here, but since I always visit through your comment link I just keep putting it off.
Speaking of posting, your latest, linking the coal mine imagery to the "poison demon machine" as Rick Danko used to sing it, it made me remember the perfect link, which I will be dropping your way momentarily.
So if you will please excuse me. I have to slit this up a treat.
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