The fate of the Boeing F / A-18 Hornet and the F-15 Eagle it is still in the hands of Israel. Born at the end of the 70 years as low-cost integrators of the F-15 air superiority fighter and the F-14 missile platform Tomcat, F-16 and F-18 have evolved over the years, becoming extremely capable platforms. Just think that the F / A-18E / F Super Hornet it is a virtually different cell compared to the original project. The F-16, on the other hand, has evolved from dogfighter pure at low cost in multirole hunting.
Despite being loved by pilots, there are still projects that date back to almost 50 years ago: just think that the first flight of the F-16 is dated two February 1972 and the F-35 has already started to supplant the two international market platforms.
The US Navy will purchase another sixteen Super Hornet (picture on the right), with funds equally divided in the fiscal year 2017 / 2018. From 2019, the Navy will divert funds exclusively for the new F-35C fleet. The Air Force, however, has already undertaken this line for years. Translated means that both aircraft will necessarily have to find international buyers to keep their respective production lines open.
The fate of the F-15 is increasingly uncertain Eagle. The problem arises because of Israel's official opposition to the possible supply of 72 F-15E Strike Eagle to Qatar. According to Israel, Qatar would support extreme Sunni Islamic organizations and help Hamas directly. Expressed concern also for 28 Super Hornet requested by Kuwait.
The ability to sign new agreements with Boeing depends on the final scope of the new US aid package that will be formalized in the coming weeks. The Israeli air force would be strongly interested in two new F-15I squadrons equipped with AESA radar. The total cost of the operation is estimated at ten billion dollars
If the US were to give military supplies for 40 billion dollars (2018 / 2028), Israel will guarantee the investment only for F-35. If, on the other hand, Israel were to obtain supplies worth 50 billion, then it will be able to purchase two more squads of F-15I.
The military assistance program is currently set at 3 billion dollars a year. The current Memorandum of understanding will expire in the 2018. Israel calls for military aid with budget adjusted to 4 / 4,5 billion dollars a year.
The Obama administration would like to cement a new ten-year agreement with Israel before the end of the mandate, especially after reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran, strongly opposed by Jerusalem. The Senate has already proposed to consider raising funds for joint missile defense programs. The United States has jointly developed or financed all three of Israel's missile defense levels: Iron Dome (short range), David's Sling (medium range) ed Arrow (long range).
(photo: Boeing / US Navy / Israeli Air Force)
