TEL AVIV Ñ Israel and the United States are quietly competing for
the same weapons rolling off production lines as both countries prepare for
a Middle East war.
Israeli defense officials said they are trying to prevent their weapons
requirements from being hampered by U.S. military
orders from major American defense manufacturers.
"There's a competition for the production line [between Israel and the
United States]," Brig. Gen. Shimon Sarid, head of the equipment division of
the Israel Air Force, said. "We are getting good treatment despite the
rearming of the U.S. military."
Over the last six months, Israel has accelerated orders for such weapons
as TOW anti-tank missiles, Joint Direct Attack Munition systems, air-to-air
missiles and other systems. Officials said the orders are meant to maintain
combat readiness for any regional war in the Middle East over the next year.
The Israel Defense Forces has set as a priority military readiness for a
major war during 2003. Officials said such a war could take place on the eve of
or during a U.S.-led military campaign against Iraq.
Sarid said the U.S. military has accelerated orders of many of the same
weapons required by Israel. He said the two countries have coordinated
production schedules with major American contractors.
Officials said much of the
strategic dialogue with the United States regards assurances that Israel
will not see significant delays in the deliveries of a range of systems and
weapons it has ordered.
"There's a dialogue on this all the time," Sarid said. "But in the end,
we get what we need."
The air force procurement chief said his service has launched an
intensive effort over the last few months to raise the level of ammunition,
weapons and spare parts. He said the air force has absorbed new U.S.
weapons, including the JDAM.
Sarid listed other procurement priorities for 2003. They include the
absorption of the F-16I multirole fighter as well as the introduction of the
S-70 Black Hawk helicopter. The air force also plans to prepare for the
procurement of the B-200 Beechcraft aircraft and the AH-64D Apache Longbow
helicopter beyond next year.