Israel Again Asks U.S. to Allow It to Sell Its Kfir Jets Abroad

Israel has renewed its request to the U.S. for permission to sell its Kfir jet interceptor to potential customers abroad. Defense Minister Ezer Weizman raised the matter with American officials during his visit to Washington last week to discuss military and economic aid, it was learned from reliable sources today. Two countries are reported to be interested in the Kfir but American approval is required because the Israel-made plane is powered by an American engine.

Several years ago, the U.S. nullified a deal to sell Kfirs to Ecuador because it opposed the introduction of advanced jets to Latin American countries. If the American position on Kfir sales changes Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), which manufactures the plane, would be able to extricate itself from its present financial difficulties.

IAI, Israel’s largest military-related industry, employing 20,000 workers, has suffered a loss of income because of the cut-back in orders from Israel’s defense establishment. The company manufactures Gabriel surface-to-surface missiles and a long line of electronic and advanced armaments for export.

Last year, its exports netted $326 million. But the reduction of expenditures by the Defense Ministry forced it to dismiss almost all of its temporary workers and to shift others to different departments.

The management is now considering whether to produce a second generation jet combat plane designed locally or in cooperation with other countries. IAI would prefer an all-Israeli plane to reduce the Air Force’s dependence on foreign components. If the U.S. eases its position on the side of Kfirs abroad, the company would be able to reactivate its research and development department which has been all but shut down in recent years.