Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz has confirmed that Israel is now a member in good standing of the Joint Strike Fighter club again, according to Reuters. The US and Israel reached an agreement after falling out over Israeli arms exports and technology transfers to China that have been simmering since the summer. (DR, 10/14/05) Speaking to Israel Radio following his visit last week to Washington, Mofaz said Israel is an “esteemed and important partner” in the JSF program.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.