The Israel Air Force said it has launched an investigation into the
theft of at least eight F-15 and F-16 engines. The engines were said to have
been deemed obsolete and were being prepared for export sale with approval
by the United States.
"There has been a theft of airplane parts," a military spokesman said.
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[On June 15, the Defense Ministry reported record defense exports during
2010, Middle East Newsline reported. The ministry said defense exports reached $7.2 billion, up from $6.9
billion in 2009.]
Military sources said the engines had been stored at the Air Force base
in Tel Nof south of Tel Aviv. The sources said the theft was believed to
have been conducted by criminals with help from base personnel.
The Israeli media said the engines were not believed to contain military
value. Reports asserted that the thieves probably sought to sell the engines
as scrap metal. Israel has deployed the F-15 and F-16 for about 30 years.
"This is very serious," a military source told Israel's Hayom daily.
The sources said the Air Force has notified the United States of the
theft. They said military police and the civilian police were investigating.
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