US approves $330 million in arms deals for Israel

[Spring Onion]

US approves $330 million in arms deals for Israel
10 Sep 2008, 0641 hrs IST,REUTERS


WASHINGTON: The US government on Tuesday said it had approved up to $330 million in three separate arms deals for Israel, and sources tracking a much bigger deal for 25 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jets said that agreement could be approved later this month.

Top Israeli and US government officials also met in Washington on Tuesday for the most senior bilateral high technology dialogue ever between the two allies.

Co-chaired by US Commerce Undersecretary Mario Mancuso and two senior Israeli officials, the three-day high tech forum is aimed at expanding secure high technology trade and investment across a wide-range of promising technology areas.

While US and Israeli officials met in nearby Virginia, the Pentagon told Congress it had approved three arms deals for bombs, Patriot missile upgrades and anti-armor weapons. Lawmakers have 30 days to block the sales, but such action is rare.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees major arms sales, said it approved the sale of three kits to upgrade Israel's Patriot missile defense system, a deal valued at up to $164 million if all options are exercised.

The kits, made by Raytheon Co, would help Israel develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability, the agency said.

It also approved the sale of 28,000 M72A7 66mm light anti-armour weapons, 60,000 training rockets, and other equipment, a deal valued at up to $89 million. The main contractor would be Talley Defense, based in Mesa Arizona.

Finally, the government approved the sale of 1,000 GBU-9 small diameter bombs made by Boeing Co, in a deal valued at up to $77 million if all options are exercised.

A separate agreement that would allow Lockheed to sell Israel 25 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, plus an option for at least 50 more, was also nearing approval, according to two sources tracking the deal closely and a top defense analyst.

US approves $330 million in arms deals for Israel -USA-World-The Times of India

 

[JK!]

From what I read in a Janes Defence Magazine article the Israelis have invested some money in the F35 project but nowhere near the significant amounts by European countries.

 

[su-47]

Israel will get the fighter even if they dont put in a dime. Israel has been getting US military aid ever since its creationn in 1948.

That's the advantage of having a powerful lobby.