The Israeli air force has selected the Gulfstream IV as the platform for its new command and control (C2) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft. The deal will include three aircraft.
Boeing also competed for the order, offering the 737, but failed to meet the air force's deadline. Gulfstream had been asked to offer the GV, and it is not clear whether it did.
Boeing is believed to have asked for the competition to be re-opened, but was told that the air force had already selected the GIV.
Sources in TelAviv say Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)was involved in the decision. IAI earlier this year signed a deal with Gulfstream parent General Dynamics, which included wrapping the Israel company's business jets into the Gulfstream portfolio.
IAI subsidiary Elta will supply the C2 and SIGINT systems. Israel's air force has a number of Boeing 707s, which are becoming expensive to operate and maintain, in the SIGINT role.
Source: Flight International
