The Israeli air force could decide as early as mid-1998 on its next fighter purchase, according to senior air force sources. Deliveries could start early in the next century.
Israeli studies into the requirements have effectively narrowed the field down to two or three US contenders. The sources say that the "-operational characteristics will be very similar to those of the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D or McDonnell Douglas F-15I - both already in service with, or on order for, the Israeli air force.
While the service has not completely ruled out derivatives of the McDonnell Douglas F-18 Hornet, the competition is essentially between a further batch of F-15I Eagles and extended-range variants of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, such as the Block 60.
A request for information is expected to be issued in the third quarter of this year. The number of aircraft to be purchased will in part be dependent upon the type selected and will basically be a re-run of the mid-1990s competition, which would anticipate the more capable - but more expensive - F-15I to be selected.
The Israelis confirm that the fighter selection is placed more highly on the list of priorities than a trainer requirement to replace the Fouga Magister CM170 Zukit now in service.
Source: Flight International
