Israel–United States military relations

Last updated
Israel and the United States maintain a close military relationship. Israeli and American flags fly as Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates arrives in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 18, 2007. Israel us flags.jpg
Israel and the United States maintain a close military relationship. Israeli and American flags fly as Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates arrives in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 18, 2007.

Military relations between Israel and the United States have been extremely close, [1] reflecting shared security interests in the Middle East. [2] [3] Israel is designated as a major non-NATO ally by the U.S. government. A major purchaser and user of U.S. military equipment, Israel is also involved in the joint development of military technology and regularly engages in joint military exercises involving United States and other forces. [2] [3] The relationship has deepened gradually over time, though, as Alan Dowty puts it, it was "not a simple linear process of growing cooperation, but rather a series of tendentious bargaining situations with different strategic and political components in each." [4]

Contents

Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign aid: until February 2022, the United States had provided Israel US$ 150 billion (non-inflation-adjusted) in bilateral assistance. [5] In 1999, the US government signed a Memorandum of Understanding through which it committed to providing Israel with at least US$2.67 billion in military aid annually, for the following ten years; in 2009, the annual amount was raised to US$3 billion; and in 2019, the amount was raised again, now standing at a minimum of US$3.8 billion that the US is committed to providing Israel each year. [5]

In addition, the only foreign military installations on Israeli soil are US bases, including an AN/TPY-2 early missile warning radar station on Mt. Keren. [6]

Overview

American soldiers firing an Israeli-made M120 mortar in Iraq Soldiers firing a M120 120mm mortar (Iraq).jpg
American soldiers firing an Israeli-made M120 mortar in Iraq

Following the Second World War, the “new postwar era witnessed an intensive involvement of the United States in the political and economic affairs of the Middle East, in contrast to the hands-off attitude characteristic of the prewar period. "[U]nder Truman the United States had to face and define its policy in all three sectors that provided the root causes of American interests in the region: the Soviet threat, the birth of Israel, and petroleum.” [7]

During the first twenty years following Israel's independence, United States policy in the Middle East was driven by two major policy concerns: The prevention of an arms race in the Near East, [8] and the prevention of the spread of Soviet influence. The Truman Administration promulgated the Tripartite Declaration of 1950 for these reasons, as well as to guarantee the territorial status quo determined by 1949 Armistice Agreements. Israel's main military patron at the time was France, which supported Israel by providing it with advanced military equipment and technology, such as the Dassault Mystère fighter-bomber aircraft. Initially, the U.S. government resisted pressure by Israel and Arab countries in the region to sell them advanced weapons. In response to the supply of advanced fighter aircraft by the USSR to Iraq and the United Arab Republic, the U.S. government agreed to sell MIM-23 Hawk anti-aircraft missiles to Israel in 1962, as a "specific action designed to meet a specific situation" which "by no means constitutes change in U.S. policy in the area.". The Hawk system was approved on the grounds that it was a "purely defensive" weapon. [8] Later, when Jordan threatened to turn to the USSR for weapons, the U.S. agreed to sell tanks and jet aircraft to Jordan in order to prevent the spread of Soviet influence, and in return, agreed to sell similar systems to Israel. [9]

During the early 1960s, the U.S. government sought to establish a regional arms limitation agreement in the Middle East. The initiative lost steam in early 1965 after it was disclosed that the U.S. had been indirectly supplying weapons to Israel via West Germany since 1962, under the terms of a 1960 secret agreement to supply Israel with $80 million worth of armaments. The remainder of the agreement was fulfilled publicly, following its disclosure by the U.S., with Israel receiving shipments of M48 Patton tanks in 1965 and A-4E Skyhawk attack aircraft in 1968. [10]

An Israeli-built IAI Kfir used by the United States Navy. Israel leased 25 modified Kfirs to the United States from 1985 to 1989. DN-ST-85-08601.jpg
An Israeli-built IAI Kfir used by the United States Navy. Israel leased 25 modified Kfirs to the United States from 1985 to 1989.

U.S. policy changed markedly after the Six-Day War of 1967, in response to a perception that many Arab states (notably Egypt) had permanently drifted toward the Soviet Union. In 1968, with strong support from Congress, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson approved the sale of F-4 Phantom II fighters to Israel, establishing the precedent for U.S. support for Israel's qualitative military edge over its neighbors. The U.S., however, would continue to supply arms to Israel's neighbors, particularly Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, in order to counter Soviet arms sales and influence in the region.[ citation needed ]

During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the U.S. mounted a major airlift codenamed Operation Nickel Grass to deliver weapons and supplies to Israel. Over 22,000 tons of tanks, artillery, ammunition, and other materiel were delivered to aid the Israeli military in response to a large-scale Soviet resupply effort of the Arab states. The operation was paralleled by a large-scale sealift of some 33,000 tons of materiel and the transfer of 40 F-4 Phantoms, 36 A-4 Skyhawks and twelve C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to replace Israeli war losses. [11]

Bilateral military cooperation deepened under the Ronald Reagan administration in the 1980s. In 1981, U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and Israeli Minister of Defense Ariel Sharon signed the Strategic Cooperation Agreement, establishing a framework for continued consultation and cooperation to enhance the national security of both countries. In November 1983, the two sides formed a Joint Political Military Group, which still meets twice a year, to implement most provisions of the MOU. [12] Joint air and sea military exercises began in June 1984, and the United States has constructed facilities to stockpile military equipment in Israel.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in the city of Tel Aviv, Israel, December 18, 2023 Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, traveled to Tel Aviv, Israel and Amman, Jordan on 17 to 19 December 2023 - 23.jpg
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in the city of Tel Aviv, Israel, December 18, 2023

In 1987, the United States granted Israel the status of major non-NATO ally, enabling it to compete equally with NATO and other US allies for contracts and purchase advanced US weapons systems. Israel became the largest recipient of United States military aid in the world (see military aid and procurement below). [3] In 1988, Reagan and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize and perpetuate the work of the bilateral US-Israel military, security and economic working groups. [12]

In an effort to prevent Israel from retaliating against Iraqi SS-1 Scud missile attacks during the Persian Gulf war of 1991, and thereby breaking up the US-Arab coalition, the US dispatched MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries to Israel. The effort met with very limited success, with less than 10% and perhaps as few as none of the Scuds fired against Israel intercepted successfully. [13]

Under the Bill Clinton administration in the 1990s, the US government made efforts to bolster the Israeli government's military edge by allowing it to purchase $700m of the latest U.S. military equipment, including advanced fighters, attack helicopters and the Joint Direct Attack Munition system. A series of major joint military technology development projects was also instituted. [2]

Further extensive military cooperation took place under the George W. Bush administration, with Israel placing major orders for F-16I multirole fighters. During the 2006 Lebanon War, the United States provided a major resupply of jet fuel and precision-guided munition to replenish depleted Israeli stocks. [2]

Joint military activity

Israeli soldiers and US Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit fast-rope from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter on the deck of the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3). Marines and IDF soldiers fast rope from a CH-46E Sea Knight.jpg
Israeli soldiers and US Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit fast-rope from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter on the deck of the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3).

The United States and Israel cooperate closely in a number of areas of military activity. The U.S. underwrites some of Israel's research and development of weapons, and has contributed significant amounts of money to Israeli defense projects such as the Merkava main battle tank and the IAI Lavi ground-attack aircraft. Israel is a participant in the F-35 Lightning II fighter development program and was offered access to the F-22 Raptor program, though it turned this down due to the high costs. [3]

The U.S. and Israel also cooperate jointly on a number of technology development programs, notably the Arrow missile system and the Tactical High Energy Laser (also known as Nautilus). [3] The two countries carry out regular exercises together, including carrying out biennial exercises codenamed Juniper Cobra intended to test interoperability between the two militaries. In addition, the Israeli port of Haifa is the main port of call in the eastern Mediterranean for the United States Sixth Fleet, and Israel provides other logistical and maintenance support for U.S. forces in the region. [2] The two countries also share intelligence and maintain a joint anti-terrorist working group, [3] and in April 2007 their air forces committed to share information about mutually relevant procurements. [14]

The United States has stored military equipment in Israel since the early 1990s and may store additional equipment in Israel when withdrawing from Iraq. [15]

Currently the only active foreign military installations on Israeli soil are American bases, including an AN/TPY-2 early missile warning radar station on Mt. Keren. [6]

War Reserves Stock Allies-Israel also known as War Reserve Stockpile Ammunition-Israel or simply WRSA-I was established in the 1990s and is maintained by the United States European Command. [16] It is one of the United States' biggest War Reserves, located within Israel. [17] Initially the WRSA-I stock had $100 million worth of reserves; [18] however, prior to Operation Protective Edge the WRSA-I had nearly $1 billion worth of reserves, [19] with an authorization to increase this to $1.2 billion. [20] In 2014 with the passing of the 2014 United States—Israel Strategic Partnership Act, the US agreed to increase the stock to $1.8 billion. [21]

The stock includes ammunition, smart bombs, missiles, military vehicles and a military hospital with 500 beds. These supplies are situated in six different locations throughout Israel. [22] If needed, Israel could request to access the WRSA-I stock, but it would need to be approved by the US congress. [23] During Operation Protective Edge, the US authorized Israel to access 120mm mortar rounds and 40mm grenade launcher ammunition. [17] These munitions were part of a set of older items in the stock, and were due to be replaced soon. [24]

In October 2012, the United States and Israel began their biggest joint air and missile defense exercise, known as Austere Challenge 12, involving around 3,500 U.S. troops in the region along with 1,000 IDF personnel. [25] Germany and Britain also participated. [26]

Controversies

The close military relationship between the U.S. and Israel has engendered a number of controversies over the years. Operation Nickel Grass—the U.S. resupply effort during the Yom Kippur War—led to retaliation by the Arab states, as OAPEC members declared a complete oil embargo on the United States, provoking the 1973 oil crisis.

The United States stipulates that U.S. military equipment provided through the FMS program can be used only for internal security or defensive purposes. Consequently, after allegations were made that Israel had used cluster bombs for offensive purposes during the 1982 Lebanon War, the United States suspended shipments of cluster bombs to Israel. [27] Similar allegations were made regarding Israeli use of weapons supplied by the U.S. in the course of the 2006 Lebanon War and the Palestinian intifadas. [28]

American use of its military aid for political pressure on Israel, as well as the economic and strategic restrictions attached to it, has made some Israelis question the value of American military aid. Israeli columnist Caroline Glick has argued that Israel's interests may be best served by ending the military assistance, and urged her government to initiate a conversation on cutting back on the assistance package. [29] Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens also opposes continued US aid, arguing that Israel no longer needs it. Several Israeli political parties, including National Union, oppose the aid and propose a gradual reduction in dependency on it.

The Kirk-Menendez-Schumer bill would for the first time commit the United States to provide "diplomatic, military and economic" support for offensive actions by Israel. [30]

In January 2014, it was reported that Israel and the United States had been quietly discussing the prospect of ending US aid, with representatives from both countries agreeing at bilateral meetings that Israel no longer needs US military aid. According to Daniel C. Kurtzer, a former US ambassador to Israel, "we may be reaching a point that after discussion of how to assure the security and intelligence cooperation, we can actually phase out the security assistance". [31]

Following the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, when the United States temporarily suspended arms shipments to Israel, Israel reportedly reassessed its views on US aid, particularly on the view that it could always depend on a US resupply during wartime, and initiated new weapons projects to reduce its dependence on US weapons in favor of locally-made ones. [32]

Military aid and procurement

US foreign assistance obligations to Israel by type, 1951-2022. US foreign assistance obligations to Israel by type, 1951-2022.png
US foreign assistance obligations to Israel by type, 1951-2022.
Total US foreign aid to Israel compared to other countries. 1946-2022. Total US foreign assistance by country, adjusted for inflation, 1946-2022.png
Total US foreign aid to Israel compared to other countries. 1946-2022.
Israeli (left) and American (right) generals meet in Tel Aviv in 2019 US Israel Military Meeting (49121017622).jpg
Israeli (left) and American (right) generals meet in Tel Aviv in 2019

In terms of total money received, Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of military assistance from the United States since World War II, [34] followed by Vietnam, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Turkey. [35] [ needs update ] About three quarters of the aid is earmarked for purchases of military equipment from U.S. companies and the rest is spent on domestic equipment. [36] [37]

Since 1987, the U.S. has provided an average of $1.8 billion annually in the form of Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and funds to support research and development. [2] A bilateral memorandum of understanding was signed in January 2001, at the end of the Clinton administration, under which defense aid was increased to $2.4 billion annually from $1.8 billion, while the $1.2 billion of economic aid would be eliminated. This was predicated on the basis of the defense aid being increased by $60 million per year until the full amount was reached in 2008, while the economic aid is decreased by $120 million per year until eliminated. [3] [38] In 2007, the United States increased its military aid to Israel by over 25%, to an average of $3 billion per year for the following ten-year period (starting at $2.550 billion for 2008, growing by $150 million each year). [39] The package started in October 2008, when regular aid to Israel's economy ended. [40] Officials have insisted the aid is not tied, or meant to balance, simultaneous American plans to sell $20 billion worth of sophisticated arms to its Arab allies in the region, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia. [40] Former U.S. President George W. Bush assured Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that the U.S. would help keep a "qualitative advantage" to Israel over other nations in the region. [39]

The United States is the largest single supplier of military equipment to Israel. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, between 1998–2005 the U.S. accounted for the vast majority of Israel's arms transfer agreements, accounting for $9.1 billion out of $9.5 billion worth of agreements. [41] Israel deals directly with U.S. companies for the vast majority of its military purchases from the United States, though it requires permission from the U.S. government for specific purchases. Permission is not always automatic; for instance, in March 2000 it became known that the Israeli government had been refused permission to purchase BGM-109 Tomahawk missiles. [3]

Israel has the world's largest F-16 fleet outside the United States Air Force. With the delivery of 102 F-16Is, scheduled through 2008, the Israeli Air Force will have a total F-16 inventory of 362, in addition to 106 F-15s. [42]

In December 2016, the United States delivered the first two F-35 “Adir” stealth fighter planes, a version of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, arrived to Israel, the first of its kind in the Middle East. In April 2017, the United States delivered an additional three to total five F-35 stealth fighters now operated under the Israeli Air Force [43] Israel was the first country outside of the United States to receive the F-35 and is expecting to receive a total of 50 over the coming years, achieving two full squadrons by 2022. This delivery is due to the strong partnership that the two countries had in the manufacturing of the fighter jet. Israeli technology, aerospace and defense companies played a pivotal role in the technological innovation giving the plane its immense capabilities. Eventually, Israel hopes to further accommodate its air force with the F-35B STOVL. Recent US Tomahawk strikes into Syria demonstrate that fixed airfields could easily be destroyed or temporarily be made unavailable. The F35B-model has both short take off and vertical landing capability, making it a strong threat in such a small region with constant warfare. [44]

In 2023, The State Department approved the sale of $320 million worth of guided bomb equipment to Israel. [45] [46] In October 2023, President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass $14.3 billion in emergency military aid to Israel in its war with Hamas. [47]

Foreign military sales

Israeli Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15I Ra'am F-15I Ra'am.jpg
Israeli Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15I Ra'am

Note: This is not a comprehensive listing of U.S. military sales to Israel.

Year FMS DCS Total
2001$766,026,000$4,019,000$770,045,000
2002$629,426,000$1,427,000$630,853,000
2003$845,952,000$16,455,000$862,407,000
2004$878,189,000$418,883,000$1,297,072,000
2005$1,652,582,000$1,110,223,000$2,762,805,000
2001–2005$4,772,175,000$1,551,007,000$6,323,182,000
  • FMS – Foreign Military Sales
  • DCS – Direct Commercial Sales
Source: "Facts Book: Department of Defense, Security Assistance Agency," September 30, 2005. [48]

Foreign military financing

Note: This is not a comprehensive listing of US ESF and military aid to Israel.

Year FMF ESF Supplementals NADR-ATA Total
2001$1,975,644,000$838,000,000$2,813,644,000
2002$2,040,000,000$720,000,000$28,000,000$2,788,000,000
2003$2,086,350,000$596,100,000$1,000,000,000$3,682,450,000
2004$2,147,256,000$477,168,000$2,624,424,000
2005$2,202,240,000$357,120,000$50,000,000$210,000$2,609,570,000
2006 (estimated)$2,257,200,000$273,600,000$526,000$2,531,326,000
2007 (requested)$2,340,000,000$120,000,000$320,000$2,460,320,000
Total 2001–2007$15,048,690,000$3,381,988,000$1,050,000,000$29,056,000$19,509,734,000
2012 (estimate) [49] $3,075,000,000$3,075,000,000
  • FMF – Foreign Military Financing (direct military aid)
  • ESF – Economic Support Fund (open-ended monetary assistance that can be used to offset military spending and arms purchases, as well as for non-military purposes)
  • Supplementals are special one-time grants meant as a complement to already allocated aid
  • NADR-ATA – Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining & Related Programs
Source: "Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations," Fiscal Years 2001–2007. [48]

United States military equipment in Israeli use

This is not a comprehensive list. In addition to indigenously developed military equipment, Israel has made a number of procurements from the United States in recent years, including systems procured directly from US manufacturers and ex-US Forces equipment. The Israel Defense Forces also makes use of US military systems not necessarily procured directly from the US. The list below includes US-made weapon systems paid for from funding provided by the US, by Israel alone, or by a combination of funding from both nations. All data is from Jane's Sentinel Eastern Mediterranean 2007 [3] unless otherwise stated.

Arrow anti-ballistic missile system, developed in partnership with the United States Arrow anti-ballistic missile launch.jpg
Arrow anti-ballistic missile system, developed in partnership with the United States
ItemQuantityYear
procured
Origin
Fighter aircraft
F-15A Eagle 251993Ex-U.S. Air Force [50]
F-16C/D Fighting Falcon 601991–93U.S.
F-16A/B Fighting Falcon 501991–93Ex-U.S. Air Force [51]
F-15I Eagle 25From 1997U.S.
F-16I Fighting Falcon 102From 2003U.S.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II 5From 2016U.S.
Transport planes
C-130 Hercules E/H39From 1974U.S.
Boeing KC-707  ??1973U.S.
Gulfstream G550 5From 2003U.S.
Utility aircraft
Cessna 206  ?? ??Unknown
Training aircraft
Northrop Grumman TA-4 ?? ??U.S.
Attack helicopters
AH-1E HueyCobra 141996Ex-U.S. Army [52]
AH-64 Apache 361990–91U.S.
AH-64D Apache 9From 2004U.S.
Utility, cargo, and support helicopter
S-65/CH-53E Sea Stallion 101990–91U.S.
S-65/CH-53D Sea Stallion 21994Ex-U.S. Air Force
Bell 206  ?? ??Unknown
Bell 212  ?? ??Unknown
Sikorsky S-70A-50152002-03U.S.
S-70/UH-60A Black Hawk 101994Ex-U.S. Army
Ground defense vehicles
M113 6,000 ??Unknown
M48 Patton tank 1,0001956–1971Ex. U.S.
M60 Patton tank 1,5001965–1979Ex. U.S.
Artillery
M109 howitzer  ?? ??Unknown
M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System 42From 1995U.S.
Munitions
Joint Direct Attack Munition 6,700 [53] 1999–2004U.S.
Mark 84 general-purpose bomb  ?? ??U.S.
Missiles
FIM-92A Stinger 2001993–94U.S.
MIM-104 Patriot 321991U.S.
MIM-72 Chaparral 500On orderEx-U.S. Forces
M48A3 Self-Propelled Chaparral System 36On orderEx-U.S. Forces
AGM-114 Hellfire II ??Mid-1990sU.S.
AGM-62 Walleye  ?? ??Unknown
AGM-65 Maverick  ?? ??Unknown
AGM-78 Standard ARM U.S.
AGM-142D 41On orderJoint Israel/U.S.
AIM-120 AMRAAM 64On orderU.S.
AIM-7 Sparrow  ?? ??Unknown
AIM-9S Sidewinder 2001993–94U.S.
AGM-84 Harpoon  ?? ??Unknown
BGM-71 TOW-2A/B ??Mid-1990sU.S.

Israeli military equipment in U.S. use

There are few statistics available about Israeli arms sales to the USA. The following weapons are known to be in use by the American military.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qatar Armed Forces</span> Combined military forces of Qatar

The Qatar Armed Forces are the military forces of the State of Qatar. Since 2015, Qatar has implemented mandatory military conscription with an average of 2,000 graduates per year. As of 2010, Qatar's defence expenditures added up to a total of $1.913 billion, about 1.5% of the national GDP, according to the SIPRI. Qatar has recently signed defence pacts with the United States in 2002 & 2013, with the United Kingdom in 2020, and with France in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia</span> Combined military forces of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian Armed Forces (SAAF), also known as the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, is part of the military forces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It consists of the Royal Saudi Army, the Royal Saudi Navy, the Royal Saudi Air Force, the Royal Saudi Air Defense, and the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force. The King of Saudi Arabia is the Supreme commander-in-chief of all the Military Forces and forms military policy with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior. The five Armed Forces are among eight military forces of Saudi Arabia, with the others including the Royal Saudi National Guard, the Royal Saudi Guard Regiment and the Royal Saudi Border Guards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing AH-64 Apache</span> U.S. attack helicopter (1975–present)

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. Nose-mounted sensors help acquire targets and provide night vision. It carries a 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 chain gun under its forward fuselage and four hardpoints on stub-wing pylons for armament and stores, typically AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. Redundant systems help it survive combat damage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel Defense Forces</span> Combined military forces of Israel

The Israel Defense Forces, alternatively referred to by the Hebrew-language acronym Tzahal (צה״ל), is the national military of the State of Israel. It consists of three service branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security apparatus. The IDF is headed by the Chief of the General Staff, who is subordinate to the Israeli Defense Minister.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israeli Air Force</span> Aerial service branch of the Israel Defense Forces

The Israeli Air Force operates as the aerial and space warfare branch of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It was founded on May 28, 1948, shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence. As of April 2022, Aluf Tomer Bar has been serving as the Air Force commander.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Python (missile)</span> Israeli short-range air-to-air missile

The Rafael Python (פיתון) is a family of air-to-air missiles (AAMs) built by the Israeli weapons manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, formerly RAFAEL Armament Development Authority. Originally starting with the Shafrir series, the Shafrir-1 missile was developed in 1959, followed by the Shafrir-2 in early 1970s. Subsequently, the missiles were given the western name of "Python" by the parent company for export purposes, starting with the Python-3 in 1978. Since then, it has been further developed and evolved into the Python-4, Python-5, Derby and also, the SPYDER, an advanced ground-based air-defence system. Currently, the missiles are in service with the armed forces of over fifteen countries from around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Egyptian Air Force</span> Aerial warfare branch of Egypts armed forces

The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) (Egyptian Arabic: القوات الجوية المصرية, romanized: El Qūwāt El Gawīyä El Maṣrīya, Coptic: Ⲛⲉⲛⲡⲉⲧϩⲁⲗⲁⲓⲛⲙⲓϣⲓ ⲛ̀ⲕⲏⲙⲓ), is the aviation branch of the Egyptian Armed Forces that is responsible for all airborne defence missions and operates all military aircraft, including those used in support of the Egyptian Army, Egyptian Navy and the Egyptian Air Defense Forces. The latter was created as a separate command in the 1970s and it coordinates with the Air Force to integrate air and ground-based air defense operations. The EAF is headed by an air marshal (lieutenant general equivalent). Currently, the commander of the Egyptian Air Force is Air Marshal Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad. The force's motto is 'Higher and higher for the sake of glory' (Arabic: إلى العلا في سبيل المجد, I‘la’ al-'olà fī sabīl al-magd). It was known as the Royal Egyptian Air Force until 18 June 1953 following the declaration of the Republic of Egypt by Muhammad Naguib.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel Aerospace Industries</span> Aerospace and defense manufacturer

Israel Aerospace Industries, is Israel's major aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial and astronautic systems for both military and civilian usage. It has 14,000 employees as of 2021. IAI is state-owned by the government of Israel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel–United States relations</span> Bilateral relations

Since the 1960s, the United States has been a strong supporter of Israel. It has played a key role in the promotion of good relations between Israel and its neighbouring Arab states—notably Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt—while holding off hostility from countries such as Syria and Iran. Relations with Israel are an important factor in the U.S. government's overall foreign policy in the Middle East, and the U.S. Congress has placed considerable importance on the maintenance of a supportive relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bureau of Political-Military Affairs</span>

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM) is an agency within the United States Department of State that bridges the Department of State with the Department of Defense. It provides policy in the areas of international security, security assistance, military operations, defense strategy and policy, military use of space, and defense trade. It is headed by the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs.

A war reserve stock (WRS)/pre-positioned stocks (PPS), is a collection of warfighting materiel held in reserve in pre-positioned storage to be used if needed in wartime. They may be located strategically depending on where it is believed they will be needed. In addition to military equipment, a war reserve stock may include raw materials that might become scarce during wartime. According to this definition, storage such as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve may be considered a war stock.

The arms industry of Russia, also known as the defense industry of Russia is a strategically important sector and a large employer in the Russian Federation. As of 2024, it employs approximately 3.5 million people nationwide and accounts for 20% of all manufacturing jobs in Russia.

French support for Iraq during the Iran–Iraq war was an important element to strengthen Iraq for the Iran–Iraq War. Starting in roughly 1975, leading up to the Iran–Iraq War, as well as the war itself, the greatest amount of military equipment came to Iraq from the Soviet Union, but France was probably second, and generally provided higher-technology equipment than the Soviets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soviet Union during the Iran-Iraq War</span> Bilateral relations

The policy of the Soviet Union towards the Iran–Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 varied, beginning with a stance of "strict neutrality" and moving towards massive military support for Iraq in the final phase of the war. The war was inconvenient for the USSR, which had aimed to ally itself with both Iran and Iraq. In the first period of the war, the Soviets declared a policy of "strict neutrality" towards the two countries, at the same time urging a negotiated peace. Iraq had been an ally for decades and the Soviets had tried to win over Iran as well, but their offers of friendship were rebuffed by both the pro-Western Shah and the Ayatollah of Iran. After the Iranian revolution, the Islamic Republic established its slogan as "neither East nor West." In 1982, the war turned in Iran's favor and the Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini pledged not to stop the conflict until he had overthrown the Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. Such a prospect was unacceptable to the Soviet Union, which now resumed arms sales to Iraq while still maintaining an official policy of neutrality. The Soviets also feared losing Saddam's friendship with the West. After further Iranian gains in 1986, the Soviet Union massively increased its military aid to Iraq. The Soviets were now afraid of the Iranians encouraging Islamic revolution in Central Asia. Soviet aid allowed the Iraqis to mount a counteroffensive which brought the war to an end in August 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iron Dome</span> Israeli air defense system

Iron Dome is an Israeli mobile all-weather air defense system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. The system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometres (2–43 mi) away and whose trajectory would take them to an Israeli populated area. From 2011 to 2021, the United States contributed a total of US$1.6 billion to the Iron Dome defense system, with another US$1 billion approved by the US Congress in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the Israeli Air Force</span>

The History of the Israel Air Force begins in May 1948, shortly after the formation of the State of Israel. Following Israel's declaration of independence on May 14, its pre-state national institutions transformed into the agencies of a state, and on May 26, 1948, the Israeli Air Force was formed. Beginning with a small collection of light aircraft, the force soon transformed into a comprehensive fighting force. It has since participated in several wars and numerous engagements, becoming what has been described as "The mightiest air force in the Middle East".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Israeli procurement</span> Fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35I Adir fighter aircraft used by the Israeli Air Force

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Israeli procurement is the result of an agreement for the government of Israel to procure the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II for the Israeli Air Force as the F-35I "Adir". The first nine F-35s became operational with the Israeli Air Force in December 2017.

The defense industry of Israel is a strategically important sector and a large employer, as well as a major supplier of the Israel Defense Forces. The country is one of the world's major exporters of military equipment, accounting for 10% of the world total in 2007. Three Israeli companies were listed on the 2022 Stockholm International Peace Research Institute index of the world's top 100 arms-producing and military service companies: Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries and RAFAEL. It is also a major player in the global arms market with a 2.3% share of the global exports of major arms as of 2023. Total arms transfer agreements topped $12.9 billion between 2004 and 2011. There are over 150 active defense companies based in the country with combined revenues of more than $3.5 billion annually. Israeli defense equipment exports reached $7 billion in 2012, making it a 20 percent increase from the amount of defense-related exports in 2011. With the war in Ukraine, arms exports reached $12.5 billion in 2022. Much of the exports are sold to the United States and Europe. Other major regions that purchase Israeli defense equipment include Southeast Asia and Latin America. India is also major country for Israeli arms exports and has remained Israel's largest arms market in the world.

References

  1. Gregory S. Mahler, Israel After Begin, p. 45. SUNY Press, 1990. ISBN   0-7914-0367-X
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 United States: External Affairs", in Jane's Sentinel: North America 2007. Jane's Information Group, 2007.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Israel: External Affairs", in Jane's Sentinel: Eastern Mediterranean 2007. Jane's Information Group, 2007.
  4. Prof. Alan Dowty, foreword in Abraham Ben-Zvi, Lyndon B. Johnson and the Politics of Arms Sales to Israel: in the shadow of the hawk, p. vii. Routledge, 2004. ISBN   0-7146-5580-5
  5. 1 2 US Foreign Aid to Israel. Updated February 18, 2022
  6. 1 2 "How a U.S. Radar Station in the Negev Affects a Potential Israel-Iran Clash." Time Magazine, 30 May 2012.
  7. Lenczowski, George (1990). American Presidents and the Middle East. Duke University Press. p. 6. ISBN   0-8223-0972-6.
  8. 1 2 "U.S. Willing To Sell Hawk Missile System to Israel (September 1962)". Jewish Virtual Library. 1962-09-14. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  9. "U.S. Promises Arms Sale To Israel That Balances Sale to Jordan (March 1965)". Jewish Virtual Library. 1965-03-11. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  10. Mitchell Geoffrey Bard, The Water's Edge and Beyond: defining the limits to domestic influence on U.S. Middle East policy. Transaction Publishers, 1991. ISBN   0-88738-286-X
  11. Simon Dunstan, The Yom Kippur War 1973: The Sinai, p. 67. Osprey Publishing, 2003. ISBN   1-84176-221-0
  12. 1 2 Leon T. Hadar, Quagmire: America in the Middle East, p. 75. Cato Institute, 1992. ISBN   0-932790-94-1
  13. "The Patriot Missile. Performance in the Gulf War Reviewed". Archived from the original on 2007-05-09. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
  14. Yaakov Katz (June 22, 2007). "IAF, USAF greatly upgrade cooperation". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012.
  15. Yaakov, By. "US may give Israel Iraq ammo - Israel - Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  16. "Israel Hasn't Asked for Access to US Arsenal Stored in Israel". ABC News .
  17. 1 2 Palmer, Ewan (31 July 2014). "US Confirms it Resupplied Israel with Weapons During Gaza Conflict".
  18. "U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel" (PDF). Congressional Research Service. March 12, 2012.
  19. "Israel Military Ordered To Continue Operation In Gaza; U.S. Approves Weapons Transfer". International Business Times . 30 July 2014.
  20. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-25. Retrieved 2020-05-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  21. Congress OKs watered-down bill on US-Israel ties - Retrieved 11 December 2014
  22. "If War Comes, Will US Open Its Military Depots In Israel?". 21 August 2012.
  23. Article title
  24. "US supplies Israel with bombs amid Gaza blitz". www.aljazeera.com.
  25. US and Israel launch joint military drill, Al Jazeera October 21, 2012
  26. "U.S.-Israeli Military Exercise Sending Message to Iran - Businessweek". Archived from the original on 2014-08-17. Retrieved 2014-10-21.
  27. Clyde R. Mark, Foreign Affairs Defense and Trade Division (26 April 2005). "Israel:US Foreign Assistance" (PDF). Congressional Research Service, The Library of Congress.
  28. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-07-31. Retrieved 2015-07-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  29. Avoiding an American Ambush Archived 2012-07-31 at archive.today Carolineglick.com, July 6, 2009. Originally published in the Jerusalem Post.
  30. Gusterson, Hugh (15 January 2014). "The war bill". thebulletin.org. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Archived from the original on 16 January 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  31. "Arens argues U.S. Military aid no longer serves Israel's interests | World Tribune". Archived from the original on 2014-02-14. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
  32. "Israel to reduce arms production in U.S. After Obama's weapons suspension during Gaza War - World Tribune | World Tribune". Archived from the original on 2015-07-29. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  33. 1 2 How much aid does the US give to Israel? USAFacts. Updated on October 12, 2023.
  34. U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel Archived 2015-07-31 at the Wayback Machine . April 11, 2014. By Jeremy M. Sharp. Congressional Research Service. See appendix tables for yearly aid totals and breakdowns.
  35. "India biggest recipient of US economic assistance over 66-year period: USAID - Pakistan". Dawn.Com. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 2016-09-17.
  36. "CRS Report for Congress: U.S Foreign Aid to Israel" (PDF). Congressional Research Service . Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  37. "U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel - FAS Project on Government" (PDF).
  38. Jeremy M. Sharp (2006-01-05). "U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel – Report to Congress January 5, 200F6" (PDF). Congressional Research Service.
  39. 1 2 Forbes (July 29, 2007). "Israeli PM announces 30 billion US dollar US defence aid" at the Wayback Machine (archived October 22, 2007). Retrieved August 3, 2007.
  40. 1 2 New York Times, August 17, 2007 "US and Israel sign Military deal". Retrieved Aug 17, 2007.
  41. Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations, 1998–2005 , p. 62. Congressional Research Service, October 23, 2006.
  42. "More than 50 Lockheed Martin F-16s planned for Israel, more than $2 billion value" [ permanent dead link ]. Lockheed Martin press release. June 19, 2001.
  43. “THREE F-35 STEALTH FIGHTER JETS TO ARRIVE IN ISRAEL ON SUNDAY (2017)”.
  44. “‘Lockheed VP: There’s a part of Israel in every F-35’ (2017)" [ dead link ].
  45. The State Department Approves $320 Million Sale of Guided Bomb Equipment to Israel
  46. US plans precision bombs transfer to Israel -source
  47. Shear, Michael D.; Demirjian, Karoun (20 October 2023). "Biden Requests $105 Billion Aid Package for Israel, Ukraine and Other Crises". The New York Times .
  48. 1 2 Berrigan, Frida; William D. Hartung (2006-07-20). "U.S. Military Assistance and Arms Transfers to Israel: U.S. Aid, Companies Fuel Israeli Military" (PDF). Arms Trade Resource Center Reports. World Policy Institute. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-08-14. Retrieved 2006-08-13.
  49. "Congressional Budget Justification : Volume 2" (PDF). State.gov. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  50. As a part of EDA programm. IAF site, see "The service at the Israeli Air force - 25 new planes equip the IAF" section
  51. As a part of EDA programm. IAF site, see "The service at the Israeli Air force - A squadron is born" section
  52. As a part of EDA programm. IAF site, see "The service at the Israeli Air force - The IAF receives US Army surplus Cobras" section
  53. "Israeli Air Force", globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2007-05-13.