Israel To Seek Second F-35 Order

Concerns over Iran’s recent diplomatic efforts are leading to procurement decisions in Israel. Currently, Israel has a deal in place for nineteen F-35A’s. Fearing a thawing of relations between the US and Iran, Israel is now moving to add another twenty F-35A’s, in a second batch order. This would allow Israel to standup a second squadron.

It is very likely Israel fears a thawing of relations between the US and Iran due to such a development preventing US participation in any effort to prevent an Iranian nuclear program through military means. Should Israel decide to strike on its own, the F-35 would solve the issue of Iraq denying overflight, due to the stealth nature of the aircraft making detection unlikely.

On a separate note, adding twenty more airframes to the program further diminishes claims of the JSF program entering a ‘death spiral’.

 

 

 

~ by arcturus415 on October 2, 2013.