testtest

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II: Old Airframe, New Capabilities

The "Go Ahead" for the Israeli variant of the EX.

1767139595879.png




1767139407066.png


1767139085878.png


1767139122735.png



1767139620944.png
 
I think that's fabulous. Not only are we makin 18 billion off the deal but Israel's upgrades to their aircraft always benefit us with technology. The things they have done to existing US aircraft including the Lightning II have been nothing short of astounding. Granted we did need to help em by dropping bunker busters on Iran but only because we wouldn't give them the weapons to use themselves. Though I'm not sure they have an airframe that can carry those to be fair. I think by considering sending f35s to the Kingdom and the ongoing belligerence from Iran and turkey these issues might drive Israel into an arms race of sorts. This is only good for us imho.
 
Actually Israel is not paying the US for this (and other older purchases) since they're tapping into the store credit they get/have as a result of the old POTUS Carter Egypt/Israel Peace Treaty.

Both Egypt & Israel get an annual allotment of billions of US $$ to make purchases of US gear. Most of Egypt's military has US equipment now with some exceptions. Those annual allotment can accumulate so each country can make BIG purchases when they want to.

Also, Israel is the only country, outside the global user group that LM manages, that has exclusive ability to modify the F-35's source code, to make & install their own proprietary modifications and equipment, and heavy maintenance. None of that is shared with the greater global F-35 user group including the US, for Israel's security purposes.

The Israeli F-15EXs will be built to a flyable standard then once they get to Israel they're be finished out with their proprietary mods.

Israel has the same store credit deal with Germany as compensation from what happened in WW2. They get their small warships and sub designed or modified to Israel's specs.

Israel has also used the store credit fund to develop the Arrow & Iron Dome systems, other systems, and to get a lot of their Namer heavy IFV/APC hulls built here in the US by GDLS.

When Israel taps into the store credit, a contract still has to be signed off on.
 
Last edited:
Just to add some more info....

The 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty, stemming from the Camp David Accords, secured US military aid for both nations, with Israel receiving significant annual assistance ($3 billion currently) and Egypt receiving substantial support (around $1.3 billion yearly) to facilitate its shift from Soviet arms and foster regional stability, cementing the treaty's terms and Israel's security as a key strategic interest for the US.

Key Aspects of the Aid:
  • US Commitment: The US promised substantial, long-term military and economic aid to both Egypt and Israel as an incentive for peace, ensuring both nations' security and fostering cooperation.
  • Initial Funding: An extraordinary package was authorized, with loan guarantees for Israel ($2.2 billion) and Egypt ($1.5 billion) to cover costs related to Israel's Sinai withdrawal and Egypt's military transition.
  • Ongoing Assistance: The treaty established a precedent for continued large-scale annual military aid, with Egypt becoming the second-largest recipient of US military financing after Israel.
  • Strategic Goals: This aid aimed to sustain the peace, counter Soviet influence, and guarantee Israel's defense needs, making the US a major patron for both countries' militaries.
Impact of the Aid:
  • The aid packages have made Egypt and Israel the largest recipients of US foreign aid since 1979, totaling billions of dollars.
  • This financial support underpins the security framework of the peace treaty, facilitating military cooperation and strategic partnership in the region, notes AIPAC.
  • Security & Stability: The aid helped ensure security, contributing to the treaty's success in preventing future wars between the two countries.
  • Strategic Partnership: Egypt became a vital U.S. ally, solidifying American influence in the region.
  • "Cold Peace": Despite the military partnership, relations remained somewhat cool, described by some as a "cold peace".
In essence, U.S. military aid was a cornerstone of the Egypt-Israel peace deal, incentivizing both nations to pursue a historic peace that continues to shape Middle Eastern security.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Just some extra added clarifications.

None of Israel's warplanes could carry the 30,000 lb. MOAB bunker buster bomb against Iran, therefore only the US B-2 could deploy it.
 
More regarding Israel's "Special" F-35's.

Israel has a unique, customized variant of the F-35 known as the F-35I "Adir" (Hebrew for "Mighty One"). Israel is the only F-35 operator to receive a fully sovereign variant with locally developed systems and software integration capabilities.
Key "special" features of the F-35I "Adir" include:
  • Indigenous Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems: The aircraft incorporates Israeli-made sensors and electronic warfare systems designed to counter specific regional threats, a modification not permitted for other partner nations.
  • Customized Mission Software: The F-35I has a unique "plug-and-play" architecture that allows for the integration of Israeli-developed software, giving the Israeli Air Force greater operational autonomy and the ability to upgrade its systems independently of the main U.S. supply chain.
  • Locally Produced Components & Support: Israeli defense companies manufacture certain parts for the jets, including the outer wings. Israel also maintains the aircraft domestically, a major difference from the standard global logistics system used by other operators.
  • Integration of Domestic Weaponry: The aircraft is being modified to carry indigenously produced air-to-air missiles and guided bombs in its internal weapons bay, such as the Python and Spice families of munitions.
  • Unique Testbed Aircraft: Israel received a one-of-a-kind F-35 testbed aircraft to facilitate the testing and integration of its unique local systems and weapons, an asset not provided to any other foreign air force.
These customizations were insisted upon by Israel to ensure its qualitative military edge in the Middle East and to reduce reliance on the U.S. for critical operations and maintenance. The F-35I has already been used in combat, making Israel the first country in the world to operationally deploy the stealth fighter.



 

1768629569484.png

An Oregon National Guard 142nd Fighter Wing/123rd Fighter Squadron F-15EX executes a "gate climb" at Portland International Airport (PDX).


1768629950420.png
 

View attachment 101768
An Oregon National Guard 142nd Fighter Wing/123rd Fighter Squadron F-15EX executes a "gate climb" at Portland International Airport (PDX).


View attachment 101772

Love me an Elephant walk..
 
Back
Top