Israel's F-35 purchase still shrouded in controversy
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Further orders?
The Pentagon's decision to approve the sale of the F-35 to Israel did not encounter fierce opposition. Israeli analysts said that the deal, more than anything else, once again shows the U.S. commitment to Israel.
"Though countries don't usually admit it, emotions do play a part," said Shapir of INSS.
However, Lockheed's Martin willingness to award a big discount on the original price tag it initially presented to Israeli officials possibly has another consideration.
"The IAF has a reputation throughout the world," said Shapir. "When it buys a jet it says a lot in its favor and plays a big role in the consideration of other countries to buy it. This is why it was so important to the American manufacturer that Israel buy the plane."
Initially Israel wanted to order more than 70 F-35s but with their ever-increasing price and other factors weighing in, that figure was cut to 20. However, there is already talk in Israel of further purchases down the line.
If and when Israel does decide to place additional orders it hopes that the technology transfer area will be more in its favor and that it will be permitted to add further of its own payload capabilities.
Meanwhile, the current order is still not final. It needs approval of the cabinet but all the signs are that Israel will decide to by the F-35s, despite the arguments, costs and negatives of the aircraft -- if for no other reason than it will be the only state in the region to possess the fifth-generation fighter.
