Israel Reassesses Defense Options

Israel is making plans to both integrate the stealthy F-35 in smaller than desired numbers or, in extremis, to do without stealth altogether.

Electronic specialists say they are cobbling together more powerful electronic warfare systems based on wide-frequency active, electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to protect their non-stealthy aircraft. Defense officials contend that Israel is exploring the integrated use of manned and unmanned aircraft to attack defended air space. Aerospace designers hint that they are looking at stealthy UAV designs as well as at faster, higher-altitude and larger aircraft. There also are suggestions that programs in cyber-operations and network and electronic attack are under intense study as potential tactical weapons that can strike at expended ranges.

One of the few officials to talk openly about the contingency planning is Joseph Ackerman, CEO of Elbit Systems, who gave Aviation Week his perspective on the situation.

“We want Israel to have the very best system available,” Ackerman says. “I think we will eventually see a balance among U.S. [export policy], Israeli air force requirements and industry participation. There is a strong need to make the deal happen.”

However, several defense specialists contend that the F-35 may be the last opportunity to buy into manned stealth. Even a small force would be preferable to none as a deterrent.

“We only need a relatively small force, and it can be mixed with non-stealthy aircraft for a larger operational punch,” a retired Israeli army general says. “But then there is the delicate question of whether the F-35 is worth the huge cost. I’m not absolutely convinced that we need it. Upgrading F-16s and F-15s with long-range, standoff missiles could provide the needed long-range precision strike.”

However, former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Dani Halutz says, “More-capable platforms mean more options for the operational planner. But there is a minimum size. F-35 is more sophisticated, so fewer platforms fit the [budget] trend exactly. It would allow us to cope with a shrinking budget and force size. And it would pull the rest of the non-stealthy fleet into new approaches.”

“No one can afford another B-2, or the 2018 bomber or whatever is planned after that,” Ackerman says. “Solutions will have to be cheaper, more robust and technologically risk-free.”

Elbit’s direction will be toward 1.1-ton tactical UAVs that can do all missions. However, no one here will discuss the country’s well-known capability to fire anti-tank-size missiles from UAVs, or its pronounced desire to see payloads increase into the 250-lb. precision-bomb category.

Very advanced communications and signals intelligence payloads are also in train, in an effort to continue surveillance of new communications capabilities being employed by stateless insurgents attempting to avoid detection and monitoring.