The US Air Force has raised objections to Boeing and Elta teaming up to meet an Israeli air force requirement for advanced airborne warning and command aircraft.
The pair will install an Elta Phalcon-based phased-array radar as the main sensor on a Boeing 767, or similar platform. Boeing was approached because airframe changes will be required to install a fixed radome .
The USAF is believed to disapprove because the teaming would give the Israeli air force an independent and sophisticated airborne warning capability. Israeli officials have declined to comment, claiming that the issue is "very sensitive", because of its potential effect on relations between the USAF and Israeli air force.
The Israeli air force has selected the 767 as the purchase can be funded through US foreign military sales funds. Elta is integrating a Phalcon-type system on an Ilyushin Il-76 for the Chinese air force. The aircraft will be flown to Israel for systems integration once the installation of the fixed radome is completed by Beriev.
Source: Flight International
