The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will play a key role in maintaining Israel’s military edge in the Middle East, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said recently.
“The United States will ensure that Israel continues to enjoy unquestioned air superiority by delivering to Israel the advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft, the F-35 Joint Fighter,” Panetta said at a conference hosted by a pro-Israel lobbying group.
“The F-35 is the future of tactical aviation for the United States military. And providing Israel with this advanced fighter makes it the only country in the Middle East with a true fifth-generation fighter capacity, upholding Israel’s edge not just now, but for years to come,” Panetta said at the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee gathering.
Two top members of Congress proposed legislation recently that would require the Obama administration to report on possible ways to speed up the delivery of F-35s to Israel. Co-sponsored by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and the Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.), the bill would require the report within 180 days of passage.
The provision is contained in the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012.
Israel signed an agreement to buy the Lockheed Martin [LMT]-built F-35 in 2010. The initial order at the time was for 20 jets with first delivery set for 2016 at a cost of about $3 billion. The contract contains an option for an additional 55.
There has been a recent series of media reports speculating about a possible Israeli attack on Iran in the near future to hit the Islamic state’s nuclear sites. The West suspects Tehran is pursuing a nuclear weapons capability, while Iran says the work is purely for civilian purposes. Israel, like the United States, has said it will not accept a nuclear-armed Iran.
The Obama administration, however, has reportedly sought to discourage Israel from striking Iran, saying more time is needed for a diplomatic solution and for Tehran to feel the pressure of international sanctions.