The long debate about whether non-U.S. users can modify or replace the classified software that runs the electronic warfare (EW) detection, identification, self-defense and attack systems of the F-35 is over.The answer is “no,” says U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles Davis, program executive officer for the Joint Strike Fighter.
Elbit and Elta, Israeli companies, are railing against being left out of the F-35 program and the ban on competing for a specialized EW system. Israel has completely different threat priorities than the U.S., the companies argue, and they have experience modifying EW packages for both the F-15I and the F-16I.
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Thus says the Emperor "No".
ReplyDeleteBut then again Israel IS forced to buy US planes with US money.
And yes Australia must also buy US planes, to pay homage to ANZUS and all.
and we ARE dealing with US Government employees tied to campaign funding US companies who also provide jobs for ex Pentagon officials...
Pete
I understand the USAF's concern: they don't want to give up the source code. But this is likely to be an issue with any large-scale user of the F-35. Not so much for the initial order, but for the fact that the plane is being sold as a 40-year airframe. This policy essentially locks all non-US electronics firms out of a crucial avionics market for the next forty years.
ReplyDeleteOf course, when Israel starts buying planes with their own money they'll be in a position to demand whatever they want. Australia, on the other hand, could, in theory, buy some of those Su-35s that Air Power Australia is always fretting over. Just saying, is all.