Israel's capability surprise

Some will see the Israel selection of the F-35 as a ringing endorsement for the aircraft from a military with a good combat reputation.

I am not so sure.

Israel has had many successes in combat, but they have also suffered many events known as "capability surprise".

-The sinking of the destroyer Eilat by surface-to-surface missiles.

-The RPG-7 and Sagger AT-3 anti-tank weapons which caused many losses of vehicles in the 1973 war.

-High aircraft losses in the 1973 war due to surface-to-air threats.

These are just some of the examples.

The defective F-35 could set Israel up for its' worst capability surpise in the history of its' military.

Turning toward Israel, Clinton pledged continued strong U.S. military and diplomatic support, including offering Israel first option at purchasing the new U.S. advanced fighter jet, the F-22.

"I have expanded our special strategic relationship and helped protect and enhance your security," Clinton wrote. "As part of that continuing effort, I am recommending that when our most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-22, becomes available for sale, Israel, if it so chooses, will be among the first, if not the first, foreign customer."

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Assessing Joint Strike Fighter Defence Penetration Capabilities