Israel signs deal to buy $3.1 billion in U.S. helicopters, tankers
A photograph of a CH-53 helicopter is pictured at the booth of Sikorsky - Lockheed Martin company during preparation for the ILA Berlin Air Show in Schoenefeld
Fri, December 31, 2021
By Dan Williams
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel has signed a deal with the United States to buy 12 Lockheed Martin Corp CH-53K helicopters and two Boeing Co KC-46 refuelling planes, the Israeli Defence Ministry said on Friday, estimating the total price at around $3.1 billion.
The deal, signed on Thursday, is part of an upgrade of Israel's air force capabilities and includes an option to buy six additional helicopters, a ministry statement said.
It said the first helicopters were due to arrive in Israel in 2026. Brigadier-General Shimon Tsentsiper, chief of materiel for the air force, told Israel's Army Radio on Thursday that the refuelling planes on order would not be delivered before 2025.
He said Israel was trying to bring forward the delivery of the KC-46s, and eventually wanted a total of four of them.
Israeli media have speculated that the refuelling planes could be crucial for carrying out a long-threatened air strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Tsentsiper said the air force's current refuelling capacities were sufficient for its missions.
(Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Military assistance to Israel has for years been a common sight within US defence budgets, and 2022 is no different.
The NDAA includes $108m that would go to Israel for purchasing parts for the Iron Dome short-range anti-missile system, which is co-produced by the US and Israel.
Another $62m will go to Israel for the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile system, and $30m for the David Sling Weapons System.
The budget also includes a $6m grant programme for "cybersecurity research and development". Last year's NDAA included a provision that cemented $3.3bn in annual aid to Israel until 2026.
While Washington's military aid to Israel has been met with increased scrutiny from progressive lawmakers, who have been calling for limits and restrictions, it continues to receive widespread bipartisan support in Congress.
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US funding for Israel's Iron Dome system particularly fell under the spotlight in September and October, when House Democrats moved to remove $1bn in funding for the aerial defence system from a stopgap spending bill.
The funds, however, were later approved in a separate bill that passed with an overwhelming majority, 420 votes to nine with two present votes.
US funding for Israel's Iron Dome system particularly fell under the spotlight in September and October, when House Democrats moved to remove $1bn in funding for the aerial defence system from a stopgap spending bill.
The funds, however, were later approved in a separate bill that passed with an overwhelming majority, 420 votes to nine with two present votes.
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