Military Edge
Patrick Megahan, Real Clear Defense/Military Edge: Is Israel About to Lose Its Edge in the Air?
In a September 2 letter to Congress, Secretary of State John Kerry insisted that Washington would ensure Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME) in the wake of the Iran nuclear deal. The letter highlighted items the Obama administration has provided Israel, including the delivery of Jerusalem’s first F-35 stealth fighters slated for next year. But expectations for the F-35 to maintain Israel’s regional air dominance may be misplaced. The aircraft lacks the performance to go toe-to-toe with other new fighters fielded by neighboring states.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is one of the most experienced and capable air forces in the world, with roughly 400 American-made F-16 and F-15 fighters in its inventory. For the most part, this force resembles a smaller version of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) “legacy” fighter fleet – fourth generation aircraft originally developed during the 1970s. Like the USAF, however, many of these aircraft are three decades old and nearing the end of their service life.
WNU Editor: For the next decade .... Israel will control the skies within its sphere of influence. After that .... everything becomes an unknown and for planners .... especially Israeli planners .... this is a worrisome prospect because they have no Plan B.
5 comments:
There are reports that the Russians intercepted and forced Israeli jets to turn back from the Syrian border. Apparently they were performing reconnaissance on Hezbollah.
Doubt it, l think drones most likley.
Thank you for the heads-up RRH, I have been busy with the family this afternoon/evening. only Ynet news is reporting this. The wires have not picked up on it.
Like professional sports teams, nations only remain dominant for a time they then begin to fade, this is going on now, the change over be a Bloody Mess.
Doubt it, for the most part middle east military air forces suck. No matter what jets or bombers they have, the Israeli's will always be superior to them. That could change if the change how they user their militaries but you know and I know that's not going to happen.
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