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IDF seeks American approval to buy 25 F-35 stealth fighters By Yuval Azoulay Defense Minister Ehud Barak submitted an official request this week to the U.S. government to purchase 25 F-35 stealth warplanes for the Israel Air Force. According to reports in the U.S. media, the planes will cost about $80 million each. Israel wants to receive the first squadron in 2013 and 2014, and continue with another 50 planes afterward, most likely in the second half of that decade. It is possible that some of the F-35s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and known as the Lightning II, will have short-take-off and vertical-landing capabilities, similar to helicopters. All the planes will have stealthy, radar-evading characteristics. Advertisement The F-35 is a multirole strike fighter - it can serve as a fighter, bomber or ground-support aircraft. It is also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, a model intended to serve all the U.S. military branches - the air force, navy and marines. It is a joint project of the U.S. and a number of its allies, in particular Britain. Barak also asked the U.S. for three to five C-130J Super Hercules transport planes, which are an advanced model of the plane the Israel Defense Forces has been using for many years. The decision to buy the newest models comes after two years of discussions, and was recently included in the IDF's multiyear procurement plan, known as Tefen. The Hercules has starred in many IDF operations over the years, including the raid on Entebbe. The new model of the propeller-driven transport plane has a much longer range, a higher load capacity and can be operated by a smaller crew. It is equipped with advanced avionics and navigation systems, and will cost $50 million to $60 million apiece. All the planes will be paid for out of U.S. military aid packages provided to Israel. Haaretz has learned that senior defense officials have asked the Americans about speeding up the delivery of at least some of the F-35s, possibly by the first half of 2012. The early procurement reflects the strategic threats facing Israel, according to defense officials, particularly the threat from Iran and its attempts to achieve a nuclear-weapons capability. Arab armies are also getting stronger. Defense officials say the F-35 will improve Israel's deterrence. Lockheed Martin Senior Vice President Robert Trice, who is visiting Israel, said yesterday that U.S. government officials had informed his company of the request. He said Lockheed will provide any assistance requested by the U.S. and Israeli governments during the negotiations. The strike fighter is still under development at Lockheed Martin facilities in Texas, and has yet to enter operational service. The purchase of the F-35s seems likely to end the dreams of IAF pilots that Israel might buy F-22 Raptor fighters, at least in the near future. Lockheed Martin also manufactures the F-22, a stealthy air-to-air interceptor already in use by the U.S. Air Force. The F-22 is considered the world's most advanced warplane, and Israel has previously expressed interest in it. But the U.S. Congress forbade the sale of the F-22 through legislation on the grounds that selling it to foreign countries could diminish the U.S. Air Force's air superiority. The F-22 is capable of flying from Israel to Iran carrying a wide range of munitions. A senior IAF official expressed hope recently that U.S. President George W. Bush would bring a gift with him on his recent visit to Israel: the approval necessary to acquire the F-22. But sources involved in the matter said it seems unlikely that Bush will change policy over the planes in the near future. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Jet error Israeli warplanes come close to shooting down Tony Blair's plane. Rehab (live) Report: Singer Amy Winehouse is to undergo drug rehab in Israel.

Read & React Bradley Burston: The Palestinians' time is running out Responses: 393 West backs Lebanese gov't capitulation to Hezbollah Responses: 192 Obama promises 'unshakable commitment' to Israel if elected Responses: 210 Hamas: Olmert too weak to negotiate peace agreement with Syria Responses: 208 McCain rejects pastor's support after 'God sent Hitler' jibe Responses: 110 More Headlines 01:04 Syria sends minister to Iran after shock revelation Israel talks 18:30 Ex-IDF chief: Golan Heights not indispensable 23:57 IDF strikes wound 4 Gaza militants in two incidents 01:06 Israel denies entry to high-profile critic Norman Finkelstein 15:51 UN: No. of roadblocks in W. Bank up 7 percent from last Sept. 20:53 Chelsea axes Grant after losing Champions League final to Red Devils 18:43 MK Sneh to announce split from Labor to form new party 01:16 Israeli warplanes almost shoot down Tony Blair's plane 03:38 Report: Singer Amy Winehouse to undergo drug rehab in Israel 14:56 Tourist in critical condition after jumping from Tiberias hospital 13:22 Teenager stabbed to death at high school in Galilee village 11:18 Egypt police shoot Sudanese migrant at Israel border Previous Editions Select Day 23 may 22 may 21 may 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may

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