By Tom Brennan
When you find yourself surrounded by enemies sworn to your death and destruction, betrayed by weak and unworthy allies and vastly outnumbered, what is left but faith, fortitude and brain-power. Israel relies on G-d and in the gifted intellects that develop the technologies that protect His people and the Promised Land. Israel’s small population, available natural resources and other factors have kept large scale military manufacturing at definite limits. The first aircraft of the Air Force were surplus from France and other nations. Israelis applied their intuitive abilities to “tweak” and redesign features that resulted in increased performance and capabilities. The re-manufactured Dassault aircraft of the Six Day War were extraordinarily effective. The Kfir was a uniquely suited upgrade of the Dassault Mirage that swept the MiG’s from the skies.
In recent years Israel has built what is called the most battle-worthy force of combat aircraft and pilots in the world. US made F-15 and F-16 aircraft have been upgraded with Israeli-designed antimissile electronic counter measures that have kept the Force to an astounding minimum number of losses. The key to this has been access to the codes for on-board software for each aircraft. Instead of insisting on designing and manufacturing its own aircraft, Israel has wisely decided to purchase the best possible units and license to upgrade electronics with its own designs. Here the funding goes into turning something great into something superb and it has paid off handsomely.
The projected purchase of the F-35 multipurpose fighter has encountered some serious issues. The almost guaranteed cost over runs has raised the unit cost considerably. The anticipated order has been trimmed down. The resistance by Washington to include code access so Israel can upgrade the new fighters has resulted in hesitation by Israel as well. At first the extraordinary F22 was at the top of Israel’s purchase plans. This air superiority fighter has made its first combat sorties in the Syria-Iraq fighting. Unfortunately, production was canceled by the Obama administration (along with a new launch vehicle to replace the retired Space Shuttle). Curiously Russia is once again flying probing missions by Tu-95 bombers and the best interceptors are the F-22’s.
Israel has a thriving defense technology sales program which netted 7 billion in 2012. Sales to India, Germany and China have cemented Israel’s well deserved international reputation for innovation. Israel does not disclose its business partners in defense sales as a rule. However quality of technology products is undisputed. Defense manufacturers have sought increased license to market to China but met US resistance and tactics.
Israel’s intellectual capacity exceeds its physical borders. It seems The Almighty grants what is needed, when its needed and in amounts that more than suffice. He shields Israel with wings of steel and electrons of fire. What do you expect from a nation that slays giants with smooth stones in high tech shepherd’s slings ?
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