Israel’s defense establishment, including the Air Force, is strongly opposed to continuation of the Lavi fighter plane project because it is diverting funds from other major weapons systems needed to maintain Israel’s high qualitative edge in any future war, it was reported here Tuesday.
But those who counsel abandonment of the Lavi, are encountering powerful opposition from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), which is currently testing two Lavi prototypes, and a group of Likud politicians who insist the project must go ahead.
The media quoted an “authoritative Israel Defense Force military source” Tuesday to the effect that the defense establishment has been forced to curtail production of weapons which could be decisive in the next war because huge sums are being poured into the Lavi.
The source said the IDF’s views are based on a study of future land, sea and air battle requirements. One item which may have to be shelved is a new missile developed by the IDF that allegedly could “determine the outcome of battle.” The Air Force would need 1,000 such missiles but funds are available for only 200-300 over the next few years, according to the source. Another missile, produced by Rafael, the IDF’s weapons development authority, is being manufactured at only 40 percent of capacity because of a dearth of orders due to lack of funds, the source said.
Air Force Commander Gen. Amos Lapidot told the Cabinet last week that while the Lavi is an excellent aircraft, its capabilities are similar to those of the American F-16C and it costs 50 percent more than the U.S, plane.
The ground forces and the Navy want funds from the Lavi switched to the improvement of tanks and the construction of more missile boats, respectively.
The IDF source also ridiculed claims that halting the Lavi project would result in widespread unemployment among IAI engineers, scientists and workers. According to the source, funds diverted from the Lavi would provide jobs for most of the 5,000 workers currently employed on it. The remaining 15,000 IAI employees are not involved with the Lavi project.
The final decision rests with the Cabinet, which has not completed its deliberation of the matter.
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