Armée Israélienne / Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

Rappel du premier message :

inanc a écrit:

GlaivedeSion a écrit:

Le hezbollah a confirmé que le drone lui appartenait et qu'il était de fabrication iranienne,je pense que c'est une provocation délibéré visant a crée une guerre ou du moin une escalade de quelques jours pour faire une diversion par rapport a la guerre en syrie et la crise économique que connait l'iran du aux sanctions.

Est-il envisagé une quelconque réaction de la part de votre armée ?

L'armée a envoyé des avions et des hélicoptères survolés le liban et simuler des raids,rien de plus.
nous ne sommes pas tombés dans leurs pièges(hezbollah+iran+syrie) déjà qu'ils ont pas réussie déclencher une guerre avec la turquie,c'est pas nous qui allons leurs fournir des excuses.

Citation :

Israel to stagger purchase of second F-35 batch



(Reuters) - Israel will stagger the purchase of its second batch of 31 U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets over the next three years, an Israeli defense official said on Sunday after budget wrangling among Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's top cabinet colleagues.

Under a compromise plan approved by the ministerial committee, Israel will buy 14 of the aircraft now and another 17 in 2017, the official said without providing price details. The second stage of the purchase will be subject to another vote of approval nearer the time, the official added.

Israel bought 19 of the Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-35s for $2.75 billion in 2010, with delivery scheduled between 2016 and 2018. The new purchase will bring the number of the planes in Israel's inventory to 50, or two squadrons. Under the 2010 deal, it has an option to order an additional squadron's worth.

Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon reached a preliminary agreement on the 31 F-35s during a visit to Washington last month, but met opposition from some Israeli ministers who voiced misgivings about the jet's high cost and untested capabilities.

The resulting hold-up, Yaalon told Israel's Army Radio earlier on Sunday, frayed ties with the United States, which have already been strained by disputes over how to tackle Iran's nuclear program and stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

A reduced Israeli purchase could have dented international confidence in the plane, which is being developed and built by Lockheed for the U.S. military and allies -- a $399 billion endeavor that is the world's most expensive weapons program.

Un nouveau CEM a été mis a la tête de l'armée israélienne Gadi Eizenkot  , il a succéder a Benny Gantz et devinez quoi , il est d'origine marocaine ses parents seraient originaire de Asfi  , le premier militaire d'origine marocaine a être élu a ce poste  Interessant

FAR SOLDIER a écrit:

Un nouveau CEM a été mis a la tête de l'armée israélienne Gadi Eizenkot  , il a succéder a Benny Gantz et devinez quoi , il est d'origine marocaine ses parents seraient originaire de Asfi  , le premier militaire d'origine marocaine a être élu a ce poste  Interessant

Ouai après celui de Marrakech celui de Asfi J'espère qu'un jour ou les jugera inchallah

En plus a ce qui parait il est très radical , il aurait dit que il été prêt a raser un village si une roquette été tirée de celui ci, il appelle sa le "dahiyé" ... moi je pense que c'est du bla bla une sorte de dissuasion verbale qui ne sera jamais appliqué , la on voit son coté marocain ressortir "keberha tssghar" l'opinion mondiale n'acceptera jamais sa et ils le savent .
Par contre il est contre des frappes préventives contre l'Iran

israel est en position fragile avec le temps qui passe on commence par l'introduction de la palestine comme membre  observateur au nations unies > la suède reconnait l'Etat de  palestine  la propagande israelienne  ne fonctionne plus de meme pour l'impunité  par rapport au crimes commis  le monde change donc les menace c est juste pour faire peur ni plus ni mois

Citation :

Nouveau raid israélien en Syrie

http://www.air-cosmos.com/2014/12/08/27306-nouveau-raid-israelien-en-syrie

Citation :

Germany emerges as leading supplier to Israel’s navy

LONDON — Germany plans to subsidize an Israeli procurement of naval corvettes.

The German government said it would contribute to the purchase of four corvettes for the Israel Navy. The government said the subsidy for Israel was approved by the parliament in Berlin.

“The contract could be completed by the end of the year,” German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said.

In a statement on Dec. 15, Seibert did not specify the size of the German subsidy. He said Israel reached an agreement to purchase the corvettes, manufactured by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, in November 2014.

The German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported that the government decided to contribute 115 million euro for the Israeli purchase, estimated at 1 billion euro. The newspaper, citing government memorandums, said the Israel Navy would use the warships, identified as the Meko A-100, to secure its interests in the eastern Mediterranean.

Germany has become the leading supplier to the Israel Navy. In 2013, Germany helped finance the Israeli purchase of three additional Dolphin diesel-electric submarines, also produced by ThyssenKrupp.

http://www.worldtribune.com

Citation :

Israel Signed a Contract with Germany & TKMS for 4 Modified MEKO 80 Patrol Corvettes


Speaking during the Israel Air Force ceremony on December 25th, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel ordered four new patrol vessels from Germany: "Today, I am pleased to announce that three days ago, we added an important component to our defensive force. We purchased four new Saar vessels from Germany" .

The future Israeli Navy vessel are based on TKMS/Blohm+Voss MEKO 80 Patrol Corvette. While the four hulls will be built in Germany, weapon and sensor systems outfitting will highly likely be conducted in Israel. Picture: TKMS
The future Israeli Navy vessels are based on TKMS/Blohm+Voss MEKO 80 Patrol Corvette. While the four hulls will be built in Germany, weapon and sensor systems outfitting will highly likely be conducted in Israel. Picture: TKMS

According to the German sources, the future Israeli Navy patrol vessels are based on the MEKO 80 designed and built by German group ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). MEKO 80 patrol corvette is a slightly reduced version of the MEKO 100 (of which 6 were built for the Royal Malaysian Navy and one under construction in Poland for the Polish Navy).

All four vessels will be built in Germany by TKMS while systems outfitting (combat management system, sensors and weapons) will most likely be conducted in Israel. Weapons fit may even include anti-aircraft the new medium-range surface to air missile system Barak 8 and MF-STAR multifunction AESA radar both systems developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Blohm+Voss Class MEKO 80 Patrol Corvette. According to TKMS website, the resultant fusion of corvette and OPV makes the patrol corvette a cost effective solution for navies requiring a low-cost and economical platform for patrol and policing duties that is also capable of naval missions, including combat. Picture: TKMS
Blohm+Voss Class MEKO 80 Patrol Corvette. According to TKMS website, the resultant fusion of corvette and OPV makes the patrol corvette a cost effective solution for navies requiring a low-cost and economical platform for patrol and policing duties that is also capable of naval missions, including combat. Picture: TKMS

For more than three years, the governments of Germany and Israel were negotiating on German participation in the financing of the program, just as Germany partially financed the construction of Israel's six submarines type Dolphin (project IKL800). For the record, German media reported that on the total cost of $870 millions (for the first three Dolphin submarines delivered to the Israeli Navy in 1999-2000) the German government has paid about $700 million. According to a new agreement in 2006 (reported at $1.3 billion) Israel ordered the construction of two more submarines (Dolphin Batch II) modified with AIP technology (Tanin and Rahav), the German government paid a third of the value. In March 2012 a third AIP Dolphin submarine was ordered for $700 million. The German government should allocate $180 million to cover part of the costs for the construction of this boat.

In the current case of the MEKO patrol boats, the Israeli government apparently failed to make the Germans as generous as for the submarine deals (Israel reportedly originally requested that Germany covers half of the cost), however Merkel's government, according to German media, agreed to pay about 115 million Euros of the total cost of about 1 billion Euros for the construction of four ships.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

Citation :

Elbit wins MoD contract to maintain all of the IAF's F-16 fighter jets

New national maintenance center will look after on board avoionics for the next 11 years.

The Ministry of Defense awarded Elbit Systems an 11-year contract to maintain all of the Israel Air Force’s F-16 squadrons, the defense company announced Sunday.

According to terms of the $90 million contract, Elbit will establish a national maintenance center that will look after all the onboard avionics of the IAF’s F-16 A/Bs (Netz), F-16 C/Ds (Barak) and F-16Is (Sufa).

All of the planes’ systems, except the body and engine, will be maintained under the contract, an Elbit spokeswoman said.

“Elbit Systems has recognized the growing global trend of maintenance and logistic support services performed via outsourcing,” said Elbit president and chief executive officer Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis.

“This method of service provides availability of the relevant systems while saving costs, and we have been active in these types of services both in Israel and around the world.”

Elbit’s products and services include the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), unmanned aircraft systems, electro-optic space systems, defenses against electronic warfare, and a range of military communications solutions.

The company also focuses on upgrading existing military platforms.

In November, Elbit said it would begin installing its J-Music anti-missile laser protection system on German Air Force transport planes.

http://www.jpost.com

Citation :

Israeli Lavi trainer squadron nears readiness

An Israeli air force squadron equipped with Alenia Aermacchi M-346 "Lavi" advanced jet trainers is close to being declared operational, having already received nine aircraft from an eventual 30-strong fleet.

Israel's first M-346 landed at Hazerim air base in the south of the country last July, and deliveries are continuing on schedule.

Being introduced as a replacement for the air force's aged Douglas A-4 Skyhawks, the Lavi represents a "big revolution" in training, saysan air force Lockheed Martin F-16I pilot – identified only as "Maj E" – who is part of the initial team of instructors.

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Arie Egozi

While the new trainers are already taking off and landing from the base's runways, a simulator centre built in advance of their arrival is also bustling with activity. At this point, the menand women in the half-dome simulators and in front of computer screens are instructors preparing the lessons for cadets that will be trained on the type.

The ground-based training system (GBTS) was developed by Elbit Systems, together with Alenia, CAE and Selex.It consists of two full mission simulators and two operational flight simulators, all of which can be linked together. According to Elbit, the infrastructure offers an experience that is almost identical to real flight.

"Until now we demanded the cadets to perform 120 air missions as part of the training. From now on, they will be required to do only 100. The rest will be done in this very advanced simulator facility," says Maj E.

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Arie Egozi

Pilots and weapon systems operators (WSOs) will undergo training ranging from basic familiarisation with the aircraft to the highest level of combat flight competence. This training will be performed based on an innovative concept in which a high percentage of the syllabus is practiced using the GBTS, which trainees will visit on a daily basis. The Israeli air force selected this method so that its pilots and WSOs will be ready and qualified to progress directly to fourth- and fifth-generation fighters like the Boeing F-15 and F-16 and Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II, respectively, after completing their instruction.

According to Maj E, the most significant advantage of the Lavi is its use of an embedded virtual simulation system, which was developed by Elbit and integrated by Alenia Aermacchi."This turns the Lavi into a combat aircraft laden with systems it actually does not carry, like radar, missiles and electronic warfare systems," he notes.

By contrast, the Skyhawk was almost a bare trainer, and after a new pilot reached a fighting squadron he/she had to begin operational training almost from scratch. "The squadron hated that, as they consider it a waste of time and resources," the F-16I pilot says. "This is completely changed now."

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Israeli air force

Maj E is enthusiastic about the new trainer's overall performance. "It has better manoeuvrability than the F-16A used now for training in the squadrons, and manoeuvres very smoothly – a fact that required the installation of a manoeuvring limit system that is pre-programmed and limits thegon the pilot." He also praises anothersafety feature of the M-346: a vertigo escape button."When the pilot feels the first sign of vertigo he pushes that button and the aircraft is kept in straight and level flight until the pilot has recovered," Maj E says.

During Flightglobal’s visit to the new unit at Hazerim, test flights of the M-346 were continuing in an effort to prepare them for use with the first flying students.The aircraft are currently being crewed by pilots from the Israeli air force's flight test unit, who are performing the required checks and calibrations of the type’s new systems.

http://www.flightglobal.com

Citation :

Elbit Systems wins $117 million in Israel defence contracts

(Reuters) - Elbit Systems Ltd said on Thursday it won contracts worth $117 million (77 million pounds) from Israel's Ministry of Defence for the supply of command, control, computer, communications and intelligence (C4I) systems.

Most of the agreements will be carried out over six years.

Under the contracts, Israel-based Elbit said it will develop the next generation of the digital army project, a master programme to computerise all operations in the land forces, connecting all field and command echelons

Comment Israel a-t-elle une aviation aussi puissante?

kaei561244 a écrit:

Comment Israel a-t-elle une aviation aussi puissante?

Une très grande partie de leur matériel militaire est payé par les USA.

Citation :

Raid israélien contre des "éléments terroristes" dans le Golan syrien (sécurité)


AFP  18/01/2015

Israël a mené dimanche un raid aérien sur le Golan syrien contre des "éléments terroristes" accusés de préparer des attaques contre l'Etat hébreu, a indiqué une source israélienne de sécurité à l'AFP.

Le raid a eu lieu près de Quneitra, non loin de la ligne de séparation entre la partie syrienne du Golan et la partie occupée par Israël, selon la même source, confirmant des informations de la télévision libanaise Al-Manar.

S'exprimant sous le couvert de l'anonymat, la source israélienne n'a pu préciser ni l'identité des cibles ni la nature exacte de l'attaque qu'elles auraient préparée. L'armée israélienne s'est pour l'heure refusée à tout commentaire.

Des drones israéliens étaient présents dans la zone, toujours selon cette source de sécurité.

Rebelles et armée syrienne s'affrontent non loin de la ligne de démarcation, et des obus tombent régulièrement sur le territoire occupé par Israël sans qu'il apparaisse toujours clairement si ces tirs sont intentionnels ou s'il s'agit de retombées des combats entre soldats et rebelles syriens.

L'Etat hébreu a à plusieurs reprises décidé de riposter en visant des bases militaires syriennes.

Officiellement toujours en état de guerre avec la Syrie, Israël occupe depuis 1967 environ 1.200 kilomètres carrés du plateau du Golan qu'il a annexés, même si cette décision n'a jamais été reconnue par la communauté internationale. Environ 510 km2 du plateau restent sous contrôle syrien.

http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/906495/raid-israelien-contre-des-elements-terroristes-dans-le-golan-syrien-securite.html

Citation :

Israel to upgrade F-15Is with new radar


The Israeli air force is upgrading the capabilities of its Boeing F-15I strike aircraft, including the installation of a new radar system.

The sensor most likely to be fitted is the Raytheon APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array, which was also fitted to the US Air Force's F-15Es in place of the ageing APG-70.

The selection of the US-made radar instead of an Israeli-designed option is likely the result of the fact that Israel can purchase the APG-82(V)1 using the Foreign Military Funding it receives annually from the USA.

"The F-15I is still our strategic jet. It holds the largest number of capabilities and has the ability to carry many weapons and reach far destinations," the head of the F-15I branch told the air force's website. Tasks range from "routine missions related to the combat formation to special missions which will remain confidential", says the official – identified only as Maj A.

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Israeli air force

Israel's comprehensive systems upgrade for the F-15I is a direct outcome of a delay in the delivery of the Lockheed Martin F-35.

The nation has ordered 19 conventional take-off and landing F-35As at a cost of $2.75 billion, with the first two due to arrive in Israel in 2018. Late last year, the defence ministry also received approval to acquire another 14 of the stealthy type.

http://www.flightglobal.com

Citation :

Les élèves de la Force Aérienne Israélienne débutent leurs vols sur les M-346  

24 Janvier 2015



Le 19 Juillet 2012, Israël a signé un contrat avec l'avionneur italien Alenia Aermacchi afin de remplacer les vieillissants A4 Skyhawk, utilisés pour la formation des pilotes de chasse de la Force Aérienne et Spatiale Israélienne. Évalué à 1 milliard de dollar, ce contrat prévoit la livraison de trente appareils d'entraînement avancé. En échange, l'Italie s'engageait à acheter deux avions de surveillance radar Gulfstream G550, équipés d'un radar Elta, d'un constructeur israélien.

Cet été, Israël a réceptionné non pas un, mais deux M-346, appelés localement "Lavi" (Lion, en hébreux). Les deux appareils, porteurs des codes 102 et 103 au bas de la dérive, sont arrivés Mercredi 09 Juillet, sur la base aérienne de Hatzerim, dans le désert israélien. Les 28 autres avions devraient être livrés avant 2017. C'est sur cette base qu'est implantée l'école de pilotage de la Force Aérienne Israélienne, puisqu'elle forme les futurs pilotes de chasse, de transport, et d'hélicoptère, sans oublier les navigateurs, soutien indispensable aux pilotes lors des longues et complexes missions.

Après avoir réceptionné ses premiers appareils, Israël, ou plutôt la Force Aérienne et Spatiale Israélienne vient de débuter les entraînements avec ses jeunes élèves pilotes de chasse. En effet, dans un communiqué publié Mardi 20 Janvier, Israël a annoncé qu'après avoir formé et entraîné les pilotes sur les simulateurs de M-346, ceux-ci venaient de franchir une étape supplémentaire dans leur formation en effectuant leur premier vol à bord de cet appareil d'entraînement.

L'élève pilote a notamment déclaré que "voler dans le M-346 est différent qu'utiliser le simulateur", et qu'il "pouvait sentir physiquement ce que c'est de voler sur un véritable avion de chasse". Etant donné qu'il est le premier pilote à être formé sur M-345, ce dernier a également précisé qu'il ressentait quelque chose de "spécial".

Son instructeur a quant à lui expliqué que le "M-346 détient des capacités avancées similaires à celles des F-15 et des F-16, et qu'il prépare mieux les élèves-pilotes à leur futur travail dans les escadrons".

Utilisé par Israël pour remplacer les vieillissants A-4 Skyhawk, le M-346 est aussi mis en oeuvre par plusieurs pays à travers le monde, comme l'Italie, les Emirats Arabes Unis, Singapour, Israël, et plus récemment, la Pologne. Il est susceptible de remplacer les Alpha Jet de l'Armée de l'Air française dans quelques années, bien que d'autres avions sont également en lice, comme le PC-21 de Pilatus.

Photo : (c) Israel Air Force - Retour de la toute première mission de formation pour ce M-346.

http://www.defens-aero.com/2015/01/les-eleves-de-la-force-aerienne-israelienne-debutent-leurs-vols-sur-les-m-346.html

Citation :

IAF upgrading old Hercules planes to bring them up to date

Aircraft made by US defense giant Lockheed Martin came into service in Israel some 40 years ago, and are currently coming up to the end of their operational lifespan.


A number of old Hercules transport planes are being upgraded by the Israel Air Force in order to modernize their avionic systems and adjust them to modern battle arenas.

The C-130H aircraft, made by US defense giant Lockheed Martin, came into service in Israel some 40 years ago and are reaching the end of their operational lifespan.

As a result, Lt.-Col. Y (whose full name cannot be published), a senior IAF officer, said that work has begun to extend their lifespan and modernize their electronic systems.

Lt.-Col. Y said the upgrade program has two focuses. The first is to replace the wing box connecting the wings to the airframe, work that will enable the aircraft to fly for decades longer than their original design.

Secondly, a number of onboard systems are being replaced, he continued, such as navigation and threat detection, and a new head-up display for the pilots is being installed.

Additionally, the officer said, old analog displays are being replaced with digital screens.

Lt.-Col. Y said Israel’s ability to modernize an aging aerial platform is “very significant and unique,” adding that it would save large sums that would have to go to purchasing new planes.

The IAF has also purchased a modern fleet of Super Hercules C-130J aircraft, which will work in conjunction with the upgraded planes.

Two Super Hercules planes have so far landed at Nevatim Air Base, where the new fleet will be based.

According to the IAF, the new plane has a range of 4,000 km. and will be equipped with advanced computer systems for monitoring the plane’s routine operations and automatically detecting malfunctions.

The Super Hercules can lift 43 percent more weight than its predecessor – the equivalent of 28 more paratroopers in full gear, or one more armored military vehicle.

http://www.jpost.com

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DSI/HS 40

Le nouveau CEM du Tsahal, Est d'origine safiote.

Citation :

Israel Acquired 14 Additional F-35 Jets from the US at $2.82 billion


The deal was signed between representatives of the Defense Ministry delegation to the US and Lockheed Martin, the aircraft manufacturer. The average price of an F-35 aircraft, designated "Adir" in Israel, is about $110 million

A delegation of Defense Ministry officials to the US headed by Aharon Marmarosh, has signed a contract this weekend finalizing Israel's purchase of 14 additional Joint Strike Fighter F-35 fighter jets, after the ministerial military procurement committee approved the deal in November 2014. The deal was signed with the JSF Project team at the Pentagon, and it includes 14 jets, with an option to purchase another 17 of the aircraft in the future.

This deal is an addition to the previous one singed in September 2010 for the procurement of 19 F-35s. In total, the IMOD will purchase, at this point, 33 F-35s, nicknamed "Adir", at an average cost of 110 million dollars per jet.

The current new F-35 deal is estimated at $2.82 billion, and it includes, aside from the aircraft, the development and integration of Israeli combat systems and aeronautics in the aircraft. The package deal also includes logistical support, fight and ground crew training, replacement parts, and maintenance in Israel. The Defense Ministry said setting up maintenance facilities in Israel will inject tens of millions of shekels into the local defense industry.

As part of an effort to promote the Israeli industry, the Ministry of Defense has led an Industrial Cooperation Agreement with Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, worth $688 million. In this context and as part of the Ministry's effort to integrate Israeli defense industries in the making of the F-35 and its systems, Elbit Systems won a contract to create helmet mounted displays for the F-35, and additional components, while Israel Aerospace Industries manufacture wings for the aircraft at its advanced production line in Israel. Other industries in Israel are involved in manufacturing subsystems for the aircraft and operating and training software.
Aharon Marmarosh, head of the Defense Ministry delegation to the US, said that the first two F-35 jets will land in Israel at the end of 2016, and the remainder will arrive by 2021. Throughout the decades, we have and will continue to insist that more Israeli industries will be incorporated into the project, and that maximum budget will return to the Israeli defense industry – for the development and manufacture of unique abilities and Israelis weapons".

The F-35 fighter jets, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F-35 fighter jet, is a fifth generation stealth fighter. The aircraft is manufactured in three models: Model A for normal takeoff and landing, Model B for short takeoff and vertical landing, and model C for aircraft carriers. The aircraft the Ministry of Defense has purchased for the Israel Air Force is based on model A, but unique advanced capabilities and Israeli weapons will be integrated in it.

http://www.israeldefense.com

Citation :

IAF chief Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel cancelled the training after learning of the incidents, which included a near miss involving two fighter jets.





The Israel Air Force cancelled all training flights on Thursday following a string of safety incidents in recent days.

IAF chief Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel cancelled the training after learning of the incidents, which included a near miss involving two fighter jets.

The offending pilot was sentenced to five days in military prison. Eshel ordered air crews to spend the day going over safety procedures.

Operational flights continued as normal.

Cancelling training flights is a routine response by air force commanders who feel that safety incidents require a reemphasis on safety.

In March last year, Eshel held a flight safety day after an F-16 fighter jet pilot experienced vertigo during a training flight over the Mediterranean Sea.

The navigator took over the controls and safely landed the jet at its base. The incident was one of a number of safety-related events that took place in the air force at the time, prompting Eshel to set aside a day for going over procedures and cancelling regular training.

In 2012, the IAF grounded its transport helicopter fleet after one of the aircraft was forced to carry out an emergency landing near the Tel Nof Air Force Base near Rehovot.

Eshel's term as IAF chief was extended for a year last week by new IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Gadi Eisenkot. Eshel began his term as IAF chief in May of 2010.

http://www.jpost.com

Citation :

Israel Lobbies for More Missile Defense Funds Than Obama Sought




(Bloomberg) -- For the second consecutive year, Israeli officials have asked the U.S. Congress to add more than $300 million to President Barack Obama’s budget request for their nation’s missile-defense programs.

The $317 million wish list that Israeli’s missile defense chief gave lawmakers this month is in addition to the $158 million the Pentagon proposed for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1. The Israeli request would provide first-time production funds for two programs -- David’s Sling and Arrow-3.

Israel’s latest lobbying on Capitol Hill, instead of through the White House and Pentagon, comes at a low point in political relations between the U.S. and Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned speech to Congress on March 3 to derail what he calls an emerging “bad deal” by the Obama administration to curb Iran’s nuclear program.

Yair Ramati, the director of Israel’s missile defense organization, visited lawmakers and aides to the congressional defense committees on Feb. 2 and 3 to outline the case for more money and thank them for past assistance, according to people familiar with the meetings who asked not to be identified describing the private discussions. Obama’s proposed budget was released on Feb. 2.

The U.S. provides funds for Israel’s missile defenses -- including the Iron Dome interceptors that have gained fame for fending off Hamas rockets from Gaza -- separately from the $3.1 billion a year given to Israel in “foreign military financing” to buy weapons through the budget for the State Department and foreign operations.
Israel’s Friends

“The Israelis and their friends on the Hill, having maxed out what they can get from the foreign assistance account, have increasingly turned to the U.S. defense budget as another source of support to develop weapons that generally meet unique Israeli needs,” Joel Johnson, a defense export specialist with the Fairfax, Virginia-based Teal Group, said in an e-mail.

Israeli Embassy spokesman Aaron Sagui said in an e-mail that he had no comment.

Richard Lehner, a spokesman for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, declined in an e-mail to say whether Ramati also visited his agency’s leaders after the meetings on Capitol Hill.

While Obama administration officials have praised Iron Dome’s performance as a life-saving centerpiece of U.S. military support for Israel, lawmakers repeatedly have demonstrated their willingness to outdo the Pentagon’s proposed funding for Israel’s defenses.
Current Year

For the current fiscal year, Congress added about $347 million for missile defense programs, including Iron Dome, bringing the total to $620 million. Lawmakers also approved an extra $225 million in emergency fiscal 2014 funds for Iron Dome. The White House and the Defense Department raised no objections to the added money.

Since 2011, Congress has appropriated more than $1.2 billion for Iron Dome, which is designed to intercept and destroy rockets capable of flying as far as 70 kilometers (44 miles). In some years, Congress has added as little as $76 million to the administration’s missile defense requests for Israel.

Lawmakers supporting funds for Israeli missile defenses also have prodded Israel to start using U.S. defense contractors. Until recently, Iron Dome has been built solely in Israel by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.

The Israeli government last year agreed to spend more than half the funds that the Pentagon provides for the Iron Dome system in the U.S. by this year.

In Ramati’s visit to Capitol Hill, the officials said, he distributed one-page sheets naming U.S. contractors that would benefit from production funds for each of the missile defense systems. Among those listed were Chicago-based Boeing Co.; Waltham, Massachusetts-based Raytheon Co.; Arlington, Virginia-based Orbital ATK Inc.; and Falls Church, Virginia-based Northrop Grumman Corp.
David’s Sling

Ramati’s proposal included $250 million to start production of the David’s Sling system in addition to Obama’s $37 million request for development.

David’s Sling is designed to fire “Stunner” interceptors against large-caliber artillery rockets, cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles.

The Arrow 3 Upper Tier system is an upgrade of the existing Arrow Weapon System, which is intended to intercept longer-range ballistic missiles.

Israel is requesting $35 million for initial production of Arrow 3 in addition to the $55.7 million the U.S. administration is seeking for development.

Arrow 3 is being “accelerated in order to cope with the evolving unconventional threat from Iran,” according to the documents Ramati gave lawmakers.

Uzi Rubin, an Israeli defense engineer and military analyst, said asking for the added dollars is “a very logical move.”

“The Arrow and David’s Sling were co-developed with the U.S. and defense companies” that “would benefit if their government helped with the procurement, so much of the money would stay in the U.S.,” Rubin said in a phone interview.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tony Capaccio in Washington at acapaccio@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: John Walcott at jwalcott9@bloomberg.net Larry Liebert

http://www.bloomberg.com

Citation :

Boom simulator to sharpen Israeli tanker training


The Israeli air force is evaluating the purchase of an aerial refuelling simulator to answer its growing demand for this capability.

Currently, boom operators for Israel’s Boeing 707 tankers are trained on board US Air Force McDonnell Douglas KC-10s and in a simulator for the latter type, which features a different system configuration to Israeli aircraft.

Because of some safety incidents encountered in recent years during aerial refuelling operations, the Israeli service is considering the acquisition of a dedicated simulator that will be used to train its boom operators.

The operational requirements for such a device are being prepared now, with the air force to then seek proposals from simulator manufacturers. If and when such a system is purchased, it will be installed in the heavy transport training centre which was recently inaugurated at its Nevatim air base.

As previously reported by Flightglobal, Israel’s defence ministry has been considering a plan that will allow it to lease Boeing 767-based KC-46A tankers to replace its 707s, all of which were converted by Israel Aerospace Industries.

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The evaluation is the most recent development in an ongoing effort to acquire a modern aerial refuelling capability. The USA had previously offered to sell three surplus KC-135Es worth $200 million, but Israel rejected this, saying it would only consider less outdated KC-135Rs, which are powered by CFM International CFM56 engines.

http://www.flightglobal.com

Citation :

Israeli MoD doubles Merkava 4, Namer component orders

Yaakov Lappin, Tel Aviv - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

18 March 2015


A Merkava Mk 4 seen operating in the Gaza Strip during Operation 'Protective Edge' in 2014. Source: IDF

The Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) signalled that it expects the government to approve a significant increase in the production of Merkava Mk 4 tanks and Namer armoured personnel carriers (APCs), when it announced in early March that it has doubled its order for components for the two platforms.

According to defence sources, some of the components will be used as spare parts for existing vehicles following heavy use of both platforms during the 50-day conflict with Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2014.

Funding for the production of armoured vehicles has been a problem for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the recent past as the government has failed to commit to multiyear spending plans. The IDF has had to settle for annual budget commitments that senior officers say fall short of minimum defence spending requirements.

According to the MoD, about 200 Israeli factories manufacture parts for both the Merkava 4 and the Namer. These factories have recently received new orders amounting to tens of millions of dollars.

The MoD says that 92% of the Merkava 4 is made in Israel. The tank's engine comes from the US subsidiary of the German company MTU. Its transmission was originally provided by Germany's Renk, but production has been transferred to Ashot Ashkelon Industries in Israel, according to Israeli officials.

The US company L-3 Combat Propulsion Systems provides the AVDS 1790 engine for the Namer APC.

http://www.janes.com/article/50053/israeli-mod-doubles-merkava-4-namer-component-orders

Citation :

Israel successfully tests David's Sling - March 2015  

Ajoutée le 1 avr. 2015

The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) recently conducted David’s Sling Test-3 (DST-3) series of tests, where threat representative targets were successfully intercepted by the David’s Sling Weapon System achieving all test objectives.

DST-3 is the third series of tests of the Stunner Interceptor for the David’s Sling Weapon System. The information collected is being analyzed by program engineers and will be used for ongoing development and fielding of the David’s Sling Weapon System.

The prime contractor for the David’s Weapon System Program is Rafael and Raytheon is a sub-contractor. The Multi Mission Radar is developed by Elta, a subsidiary of IAI. The Battle Management Center known as the Golden Almond, is developed by Elbit systems/ Elisra.

The David’s Sling Weapon System is designed as the middle tier of defense against missiles and rockets, and will improve the active defense architecture of the State of Israel against ballistic missile threats. This test series is a major milestone in the development of the David’s Sling Weapon and provides confidence in future Israeli capabilities to defend against the developing threat.

Citation :

Israël admet l'échec du tir d'essai de l'antimissile Arrow 2

L'antimissile n'a pas touché sa cible en septembre; le tir de l'Arrow 3 annulé pour "raisons de sécurité"

Le ministère israélien de la Défense a annoncé mardi que les essais effectués durant les 5 derniers mois pour les missiles anti-missiles Arrow 2 et Arrow 3 sont considérés comme des échecs.

Le missile Arrow 2 avait été testé en septembre et la version 3 avait lancée en décembre.
Après l'essai de l'Arrow 2, de hauts responsables de la Défense n'avaient pas été en mesure de déterminer si l'intercepteur avait touché le missile. Selon un média russe, le missile serait tombé en mer à 300 kilomètres des plages de Tel Aviv. A l'époque, les responsables israéliens avaient qualifié le rapport russe d' "imprécis".

Selon le debriefing officiel, il s'avère que l'intercepteur est passé près de la cible, mais qu'il n'y a pas eu de contact.
Le ministère de la Défense avait passé plusieurs semaines à enquêter sur les causes du dysfonctionnement. Des dizaines de scientifiques ont été recrutés pour analyser les causes de l'incident et le problème aurait été solutionné.

Trois mois plus tard, Israël a testé le missile antimissile Arrow 3, mais finalement le test n'aurait pas eu lieu à cause de problèmes pour "fixer" la cible.
Le ministère de la Défense a alors publié un communiqué indiquant que les conditions n'étaient pas mures pour tirer le missile antimissile et la décision finale d'annuler le test aurait été finalement prise pour des "raisons de sécurité".

Le ministère israélien de la Défense et l'Agence de défense antimissile américaine (MDA) avaient indiqué le 9 septembre 2014 avoir réalisé le premier test du système antimissile Arrow 2, simulant une attaque de missiles balistiques iraniens à moyenne portée, de type Shahab-3.

Les habitants de la région d'Ashdod (sud d'Israël) avaient été témoins de l'opération qui, selon les médias israéliens avait été réussie.

Selon un communiqué du ministère de la Défense, le but de l'essai était d' "examiner la capacité de la nouvelle version du système antimissile contre de futures attaques".

"Le missile-intercepteur a parcouru toutes les étapes prévues du vol. Toutes les informations recueillies lors de l'essai sont entre les mains des ingénieurs", explique le communiqué.

Le système antimissile Arrow 2 est l'un des systèmes les plus développés que possède Israël, comprenant plusieurs programmes capables de réagir à différentes menaces.

Le Dôme de fer a été développé pour réceptionner les tirs de missiles à courte et moyenne portée. D'autres systèmes israéliens antimissiles ont été développés, comme celui de Fronde de David, capable d'intercepter des missiles de courte à longue portée, ainsi que des missiles de croisières.

Le système Arrow 2, quant à lui, est un radar tridimensionnel à balayage électronique, l'un des plus avancés de tous les systèmes de défense antimissiles, juste après Arrow 3 qui lui, intercepte les missiles au-dessus de l'atmosphère.

En février, le bureau de recherche et de développement d'armes et d'infrastructures technologiques (Mafa't) du ministère israélien de la Défense, ainsi que l'Agence de défense antimissile américaine (MDA) avaient déjà réalisé un vol d'essai du système d'interception Arrow 2, qui était lui aussi un succès.

D'autres essais du système Arrow ont eu lieu en 2009 et en 2011.

Par ailleurs, le ministère de la Défense assurait que ce test n'avait pas de lien avec les conclusions établies à la fin de l'opération Bordure protectrice, mais faisait partie du développement de nouveaux systèmes de défense d'Israël, en vue d'éventuelles menaces dans la région du Moyen-Orient.

http://www.i24news.tv/fr/actu/israel/diplomatie-defense/62256-150224-israel-admet-l-echec-du-tir-d-essai-de-l-antimissile-arrow-2