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 needs a high-end aircraft that can operate in contested environments that will work with the service’s new Collaborative Combat Aircraft semi-autonomous drones and other less pricey platforms, the service's officer said March 18. “Instead of going all high-end and then breaking the bank and not being able…