India’s Struggle to Modernize its Fighter Fleet: The Challenges and Choices Ahead

 India's plan to procure 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), a highly anticipated defense deal, remains uncertain. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, well below the authorized 42, and needs more to face its two major adversaries.

The IAF has ordered nearly 200 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1 and Mk1A variants and has committed to 200 LCA Mk2s. However, nine years after the first IAF LCA squadrons were formed, only about 40 LCA aircraft are in service. Even with increased production to 24 aircraft per year, it will take time to meet the required numbers. India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still over a decade away, and the aging MiG 21s are still in use. The Jaguars and Mirage 2000 fleets need to retire by around 2030. Despite the push for self-reliance, India will need to induct the 114 MRFA to bridge the gap.

The initial Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) process was limited to 36 Rafale jets due to technical reasons. The IAF has specified the operational requirements for these 114 aircraft.

A recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence highlighted delays in delivering the initial 40 LCAs to the IAF and suggested exploring the purchase of fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

MRFA Competition

India issued a Request for Information (RFI) in April 2018 for the 114 MRFA. Responses from contenders were received later in 2018. The Indian Navy was also asked to consider new fighter jets alongside this program. The Navy needs a twin-engine fighter, focusing on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Dassault Rafale-M, likely opting for 26 Rafale-Ms.

Eight aircraft are competing for the IAF’s MRFA: Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Boeing F-15EX Eagle II, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-21 (a variant of the F-16V customized for India), Mikoyan MiG-35, Saab JAS-39 Gripen E/F, and Sukhoi Su-35.

The next step involves the Defence Acquisition Council's (DAC) Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) and issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP). Even if the RFP is issued today, it could take over five years for the aircraft to be inducted. India's security establishment must make an early decision on the 114 aircraft import.

Big Ticket Assessment

Russia has proposed two aircraft: the MiG-35, which did not qualify in the earlier MMRCA selection, and the new Su-35. The Su-35, part of the Su-27/30 family, is not a viable option due to India's already significant fleet of similar aircraft and planned upgrades. The Russian industry is also preoccupied with domestic demands due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

If the Indian Navy selects the Rafale-M, the interest in the F/A-18 Super Hornet will decline. India has invested in the Rafale infrastructure and modifications, suggesting that acquiring more Rafale jets, potentially making 140 (114+26) in India, is logical.

The Saab JAS-39 Gripen E/F and Eurofighter Typhoon are strong contenders. The Gripen, with its GE 414 engine, and Eurofighter, with its extensive global presence, offer good options, although geopolitical factors and technology transfer levels will influence the decision.

US Influence in India's Aircraft Ecosystem

India has already integrated several US aircraft, including the Boeing P8I, Lockheed C-130J, and others. The upcoming purchase of General Atomics MQ-9B Predator Drones further solidifies US involvement. Evaluating the F-15EX and F-21 (an advanced F-16 variant) is essential.

The F-15EX, with its impressive payload and advanced features, is a heavy, costly option, adding complexity to India’s diverse fleet. The F-21, an advanced F-16, offers in-country production potential but faces public perception challenges due to Pakistan's use of F-16s.

Conclusion

India must make a one-time purchase of 114 aircraft, ideally the same type for the IAF and Navy, with significant technology transfer and in-country production. The US is eager to integrate into India’s fighter aircraft ecosystem, reflecting geopolitical closeness. Ideally, the US should offer the F-35, addressing technical barriers like the S-400 linkage.

Balancing India's aircraft mix to reduce dependence on Russian and Western suppliers while increasing indigenous production is crucial for long-term strategic autonomy.

Congress Approves Israel F-15 Sale Amid Controversy Over U.S. Bomb Shipment Hold

 The White House has persuaded two influential Democrats to lift their hold on an $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the Biden administration for delaying the shipment of thousands of heavy bombs to Israel.

Representative Gregory Meeks of New York and Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, leading Democrats on foreign affairs panels, confirmed they have ended their months-long blockade on the sale of 50 Boeing-made F-15 fighter jets, Raytheon-made Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, and Boeing-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions kits.

Netanyahu released a video in English criticizing President Joe Biden for the pause on the delivery of about 3,500 air-to-ground munitions, including 500- and 2,000-pound bombs, since April. Netanyahu highlighted this issue during a recent meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“It is inconceivable that in the past few months, the administration has been withholding weapons and ammunition to Israel,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing that Israel is America's closest ally in the fight against Iran and other common enemies. Secretary Blinken assured him that efforts are ongoing to resolve these delays.

The Washington Post reported that Meeks and Cardin lifted their hold on the F-15 sale, which is not expected for delivery until the end of the decade, due to pressure from the Biden administration and pro-Israel advocates. Additionally, the Biden administration is considering lifting its own hold on the 3,500 heavy bombs intended for immediate delivery to Israel.

A National Security Council spokesperson told Defense News that discussions with Israel about the munitions release are ongoing but provided no further updates. Blinken stated that the U.S. continues to review the heavy bomb delivery but noted that other military supplies are proceeding as usual.

Biden paused the heavy bomb shipment in May ahead of Israel’s Rafah offensive in Gaza, citing concerns over civilian casualties in a conflict that has caused significant loss of life and brought the region to the brink of famine. The last U.S. president to withhold weapons shipments to Israel was Ronald Reagan in 1982, following civilian casualties in Lebanon.

Meeks, who initially blocked the F-15 sale due to concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian aid restrictions, reversed his stance after discussions with the White House and National Security Council. He emphasized the need for Israel to improve humanitarian efforts and limit civilian casualties.

Despite Meeks lifting the hold weeks ago, the State Department has not formally notified Congress of the F-15 sale or a separate $1 billion sale of tank ammunition and tactical vehicles. Such notifications would trigger a congressional review period where critics could seek to block the sales.

Congress has also introduced legislation to counter Biden’s bomb shipment pause and restrict the president’s authority to delay future arms transfers to Israel. The House’s fiscal 2025 defense spending bill includes a provision to prevent the Pentagon from withholding defense articles or services for Israel and mandates the transfer of withheld weapons within 15 days.

The Appropriations Committee advanced this bill, which will be voted on by the full House soon. Additionally, some Democrats joined Republicans to pass a bill reversing Biden’s bomb hold, though the Democratic-controlled Senate has not held a vote due to a White House veto threat.

Congress has invited Netanyahu to address a joint session on July 24, with key leaders from both parties supporting the invitation. Senators Lindsey Graham and Cory Booker also convened a private meeting with CEOs to urge continued arms sales to Israel. Palantir CEO Alex Karp and Booz Allen Hamilton CEO Horacio Rozanski were reportedly among the attendees.

Turkey Signs $23B Deal for Advanced F-16 Jets to Modernize Air Force and Boost NATO Ties

 

Turkey has officially signed an agreement to purchase new F-16 fighters from the United States, a major step in its efforts to modernize its air force. The deal, confirmed on June 13 by Turkey's defense ministry and the U.S. State Department, marks a significant development in the bilateral defense relationship.

In October 2021, Turkey requested to buy 40 F-16 Block 70/72 fighters to replace its aging F-4E Phantoms. This request also included 79 modernization kits to upgrade older F-16s to similar standards. Although the sale faced initial resistance in Washington, Turkey's support for Sweden's NATO membership and its strong stance against Russia have eased opposition. U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Jeffrey Flake, called the deal "beneficial for U.S. national security, Turkish national security, and NATO interoperability."

State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted in January that both President Biden and Secretary Blinken have consistently supported the modernization of Turkey’s F-16 fleet, viewing it as a critical investment in NATO interoperability. Currently, Turkey is the largest foreign operator of the F-16, a fighter jet first introduced in 1974. However, Turkey’s F-16 variants are outdated, relying on mechanically scanned array radars with limited electronic warfare and situational awareness capabilities.

Turkey has initiated avionics modernization for 35 of its F-16 Block 30 jets, but NATO’s Turkish fleet still lags behind the more advanced air forces in the region. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have more sophisticated F-16 variants, while Egypt and Syria use enhanced MiG-29s with phased array radars, and Iran is set to deploy advanced Su-35s.

Enhancing Turkey’s aerial capabilities is crucial for NATO’s broader strategic interests, especially as regional challenges to U.S. influence intensify. Turkey’s military actions against Syria and other Iranian-aligned entities, along with support for jihadist affiliates, have complicated the regional military landscape, impacting the efforts of groups like Hezbollah and factions in Syria from focusing on Israel and the United States.

The F-16 Block 70/72 is a ‘4+ generation’ fighter with advanced avionics comparable to those in the latest F-35 stealth fighters. This variant features the APG-83 active electronically scanned array radar, making it a formidable platform for electronic warfare and providing superior situational awareness. The new F-16 variant’s advanced sensors and weapons systems significantly surpass those of older models, which were equipped with less sophisticated technology from the Cold War era and early 2000s.

Initially designed as a cost-effective, lightweight alternative to the F-15, the F-16 continues to play a vital role in U.S. and allied air forces. Turkey’s $23 billion order for the new F-16s will significantly boost the program, particularly as global demand for the aging fighter jet has waned.

Boeing Delivers Two New F-15EX Eagle II Jets to US Air Force Amid Modernization Delays

 On June 6, Boeing delivered two new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to the United States Air Force (USAF), designated as EX7 and EX8. These aircraft are set to join the 142nd Airlift Wing, which is part of the Oregon Air National Guard’s Redhawks. With this delivery, the USAF now has six F-15EX aircraft. The Air Force plans to acquire a total of 104 fighters from Boeing, up from the initially planned 80, to replace the aging F-15C/D Eagle fleet and support the F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II fleets.

The modernization of the F-15EX has encountered significant delays due to manufacturing and quality issues identified in the fuselage and cabin assembly since June 2023. The Government Accountability Office has reported that these problems could delay the F-15EX program by up to six months, affecting the US's ability to deploy airpower overseas. For example, the retirement of F-15C/D Eagles left 48 positions vacant at the US Air Force base in Okinawa, disrupting strategic plans. In response, the USAF relocated some F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii and deployed F-16 aircraft. Additionally, two National Guard squadrons in Japan have increased their presence in the region.

The delivery delays also impact foreign customers like Israel, which has requested expedited delivery due to its ongoing conflict with Hamas. Earlier this year, Israel requested a new squadron of 25 F-15EX fighters, an additional squadron of F-35I fighters, and a squadron of AH-64E Apache helicopters to bolster its military capabilities.

The F-15EX Eagle II is an advanced variant of the F-15 fighter, designed to replace older F-15C/D models. It features enhanced avionics, increased payload capacity, and modernized systems for superior performance in contemporary combat scenarios. The aircraft measures approximately 63.8 feet in length, with a wingspan of 42.8 feet and a height of 18.5 feet. Its maximum takeoff weight is about 81,000 pounds, making it one of the most robust fighters in the USAF.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, each producing 29,000 pounds of thrust with afterburners, the F-15EX can exceed speeds of Mach 2.5 and offers exceptional maneuverability. It includes an advanced fly-by-wire control system, a digital cockpit with large-area displays, and an open mission systems architecture for rapid integration of new technologies.

The avionics suite features the Raytheon AN/APG-82[V]1 AESA radar for superior detection and tracking, and the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) for enhanced situational awareness and targeting. The aircraft is equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) for electronic warfare, and the Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) for high-speed data processing and mission management.

In terms of armament, the F-15EX can carry a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder, as well as air-to-ground munitions such as JDAM and Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). It also has an internal M61A1 Vulcan 20 mm cannon for close-in combat.

The operational range of the F-15EX is about 1,200 nautical miles without refueling, which can be extended significantly through aerial refueling, allowing it to perform long-range missions and maintain a persistent presence in contested areas.

US Air Force Eyes Anti-Drone Barriers to Protect F-15 Strike Eagles

 In response to the growing threat posed by small drones, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina is considering installing anti-drone barriers to safeguard its F-15E Strike Eagles. The US Air Force’s 4th Contracting Squadron has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to explore options for a "Counter Small Unmanned Aerial System Barrier," although the government has not yet committed to the project.

The move highlights the increasing danger that small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) pose to military personnel and installations both abroad and in the US. Despite the F-15E's proven combat prowess, these aircraft remain vulnerable to drone attacks while stationed at their home bases.

The RFI follows a recent incident in Germany where a Eurofighter Typhoon collided with a drone, causing damage to the aircraft. Similar incidents have been reported in the US, though no specific drone incidents at Seymour Johnson have been disclosed.

Former CENTCOM Commander Kenneth McKenzie has underscored the threat posed by small, inexpensive drones, which can be easily acquired and used for disruptive purposes. The US military has been working with Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) companies to develop technologies to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones.

The proposed anti-drone barriers would need to be robust enough to stop drones weighing up to 55 pounds and traveling at speeds of up to 125 mph. The barriers must also be lightweight, flame retardant, and able to be quickly opened and closed. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to enhance defense measures at US air bases in light of recent global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where drones have been used to carry out significant attacks on airfields.

US Boosts F-15, F-15EX Fighters with Cutting-Edge Technology; EPAWSS Testing Completed

The United States enhances its F-15E and new F-15EX fighter jets with a groundbreaking electronic warfare system, EPAWSS, to elevate their combat effectiveness against adversaries. After successful testing by the US Air Force and BAE Systems, this system promises game-changing capabilities for the fighters.

BAE Systems announced the completion of the EPAWSS testing, validating its full-spectrum electronic warfare features like radar warning, geolocation, and self-defense. The system's agility and upgradeability ensure continuous protection against evolving electromagnetic threats.

With an investment of $1.8 billion, the EPAWSS program is set to equip F-15E Strike Eagles until 2029, enhancing their lethality and survivability in contested environments. This system marks a significant leap in electronic warfare technology, setting a new standard for jet pilots.

EPAWSS's integration into the F-15 fleet signifies a strategic move to prolong the fighters' operational life and maintain their combat readiness. Amidst evolving battlefield dynamics, these fighters remain pivotal, especially in potential confrontations with adversaries like China.

The US Air Force's commitment to outfitting F-15s with EPAWSS underscores its dedication to bolstering national defense capabilities and ensuring the fighters' effectiveness until at least 2040. 

National Guard's Budgetary Wishlist Aims to Restore Fighter Jets and Expand Fleet Capacity

The National Guard has submitted a nearly $2.7 billion unfunded priorities list to Congress, seeking to restore the dozen fighter jets cut from the Air Force's original fiscal 2025 request. This wishlist also includes funds to purchase additional F-15EX Eagle IIs and F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, totaling $1.35 billion, constituting over half of the National Guard's request.

The Air Force's proposed budget for 2025 entails purchasing 42 F-35As and 18 F-15EXs, reflecting a reduction of six aircraft each from the initial projections. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall cited the need to adhere to spending caps set by Congress, leading to cuts in procurement spending and an emphasis on research and development.

Contrary to the Air Force's priorities, the National Guard's wishlist emphasizes the importance of bolstering the F-35 fleet to enhance capacity in the Indo-Pacific region and facilitate pilot training. Additionally, acquiring more F-15EXs aims to complete the establishment of combat squadrons and maximize output from the defense industrial base.

The National Guard's request also includes funding for additional conformal fuel tanks for F-15EXs, C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, and resources to support pilot training and recruitment efforts.

Raptor Weapons School Back In Action

The F-22 Raptor division of the U.S. Air Force's elite Weapons School is back up and running after last year's grounding, a service official said.

"Raptor has been back fully integrated at Weapons School since we returned to fly," said Col. Robert Garland, the school's commandant. "Four students in class 12A started this past Monday."

Classes at the school started Jan. 9 for all of the squadrons, whose students will graduate in June.

Known as the "Satan's Angel's," the 433rd Weapons Squadron runs classes for both the Raptor and F-15 Eagle, an arrangement that makes the unit somewhat of an oddity among the Weapons School's 17 squadrons. The 433rd also works closely and shares its Raptors with the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, which tests new hardware and develops new tactics, because only 187 production F-22s were built.

The Weapons School selects the best of the Air Force's instructors and molds them into weapon and tactics officers who become the service's tactical gurus.

The course runs for six months and the school runs two courses a year. About 80 students graduate per class.

Future Dogfights

Mideast Weapon Sales Part of Long-Term Plan: U.S.

The final days of 2011 saw the Obama administration finalize two important weapon sales with countries in the Middle East: a $3.48 billion sale of a Lockheed Martin-made missile defense system to the United Arab Emirates, and a $29.4 billion sale of Boeing-made F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

While the announcements come as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to rise over a dispute regarding access to the Strait of Hormuz, the deals themselves are not meant to address current events, State Department officials said.

The F-15 deal was finalized with Saudi Arabia on Dec. 24. However, the White House first notified Congress of that sale, which includes 84 new aircraft and the modernization of 70 existing aircraft as well as missiles, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics, in October 2010.

During a Dec. 30 State Department news conference, Andrew Shapiro, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, told reporters that the deal was not directed toward Iran, adding that work on the sale precedes the latest news out of the region.

"We did not gin up a package based on current events in the region," he said.

Over the last several weeks, the United States and Iran have stepped up the economic and military pressure on each other, with the latest threat coming from Iran, which warned the United States not to return one of its aircraft carriers to the gulf.

On Jan. 3, the Pentagon dismissed Iran's warnings.

"The deployment of U.S. military assets in the Persian Gulf region will continue as it has for decades," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement. "Our transits of the Strait of Hormuz continue to be in compliance with international law, which guarantees our vessels the right of transit passage."

Meanwhile, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman is on a four-day trip to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

"While in the gulf region, she will consult with senior Saudi and Emirati officials on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues," according to the State Department. Her trip "further illustrates the robust strategic relationship the United States shares with both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates."

While the latest sales to the Middle East are being placed in this geopolitical context, the late December announcements are not tied to the escalating tensions, but part of a longer-term security plan, said Danny Sebright, president of the U.S.-UAE Business Council and a counselor at the Cohen Group, Washington.

"The overall sales with regard to both countries are definitely the result of a long-term concern with Iranian intentions, a long-term concern with wanting to improve individual countries' defense capabilities," Sebright said. "But, is the announcement of these two deals specifically tied to Iran? I would say no to that. I would say it's much more about internal decision-making in both countries - some with regard to terms and conditions of the sale, some with regard to budgeting, and some with regard to the Arab Spring."

According to Sebright, the United States gave the formal Letter of Offer and Acceptance to Saudi Arabia last spring and the Saudi government has been holding on to it until it was ready to sign.

"The basic deal had all but been done over a year ago, but they waited for internal and external reasons," he said.

A State Department official said, "While we decline to get into the specifics on the negotiations, the timeline here is not particularly atypical. A sale of this magnitude and complexity required close, continual consultations with our Saudi and industry partners to sort out the details."

Congress was first notified of the plan to sell UAE the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD) in September 2008. After negotiating the details of the contract, the United States and UAE signed the THAAD deal on Dec. 25. Lockheed Martin is on contract for four THAAD batteries for the U.S. Army, but the UAE deal is the program's first foreign sale.

Lockheed Martin's portion of the $3.48 billion sale is $1.96 billion. The overall deal includes two THAAD batteries, 96 missiles, two AN/TPY-2 radars, and 30 years of spare parts, support, and training to the UAE, according to the Pentagon.

Since the 2008 congressional notification, UAE trimmed the buy.

At first it was expected the country would buy three THAAD fire units, 147 missiles, and four radar sets for an estimated value of $6.95 billion.

The United Arab Emirates has asked Lockheed not to publicly discuss the delivery schedule of the weapon system, said Dennis Cavin, vice president of corporate business development at Lockheed Martin.

"This sale is an important step in improving the region's security through a regional missile defense architecture, and follows a number of recent ballistic missile defense-related sales," Little said in a Dec. 30 statement.

Sales from earlier in the year include a $1.7 billion direct commercial sales contract to upgrade Saudi Arabia's Patriot missiles and the sale of 209 Patriot GEM-T missiles to Kuwait, valued at about $900 million.

Loren Thompson, a defense analyst at the Lexington Institute, also put the sale in the context of December's announcement that Iraq would buy Lockheed's F-16s and Oman's decision to double the size of its F-16 fleet.

"When combined with the modernization of the Saudi Air Force and the extensive F-16 inventory of the United Arab Emirates, it is clear Arab gulf states will be positioned to greatly outmatch the antiquated tactical aircraft fleet of Iran," he wrote in a blog for Forbes.

According to Lockheed Martin, demand for missile defense capabilities continues to climb around the world.

"With regional threats in the Middle East and the uncertainties of what's going on in North Korea, demand for a very capable missile defense system has never been stronger," Cavin said. "The U.S. government is in discussion with a number of countries who have expressed interest in the THAAD, but we'd prefer that the Missile Defense Agency address any specifics with regard to which countries have contacted them."

The Missile Defense Agency declined to provide further details.

In announcing the Saudi deal, the State Department emphasized it would improve interoperability between the Saudi and American air forces.

In addition to greater cooperation with the United States, the sales also bolster internal cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Sebright said.

The gulf countries have taken more steps to improve internal coordination and work toward multilateral defense policies in the last year than they have over the last 25, he said.

Lockheed Wins Contract for UAE Anti-Missile System

Washington - The Pentagon awarded U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin Corp. with a $1.96 billion contract Dec. 30 to supply the United Arab Emirates with a missile defense system.

Under the contract, Lockheed will deliver two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense or Thaad systems that include radar, interceptors and launchers, according to a Pentagon statement.

The project is part of President Barack Obama's plans to build up a regional defense in the Middle East to counter Iran's growing arsenal of ballistic missiles.

Under the plan, land-based interceptors would be tied in with a detection network on U.S. Navy Aegis-class warships.

UAE is the first country to purchase the expensive Thaad system.

The announcement came amid rising tensions with Iran and a day after the United States confirmed the signing of a $30 billion arms deal to provide another Gulf ally - Saudi Arabia - with 84 new fighter jets.

U.S., Saudi Arabia Finalize F-15 Fighter Deal

The U.S. State Department announced Dec. 29 that it finalized a $29.4 billion sale of Boeing-made F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

U.S. AIR FORCE F-15 Eagles fly over Thailand during exercises in March. (Master Sgt. Cohen A. Young / U.S. Air Force)

"The United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a government-to-government agreement under the Foreign Military Sales program to provide advanced F-15SA combat aircraft to the Royal Saudi Air Force," White House spokesman Joshua Earnest said in a statement.

The agreement was signed Dec. 24, according to the State Department.

The Obama administration first notified Congress of the sale, which includes 84 new aircraft and the modernization of 70 existing aircraft as well as missiles, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics, in October 2010.

Delivery of the new aircraft will begin in early 2014, while upgrades to older models will start later in the year, according to the State Department.

The sale reinforces "the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a strong Saudi defense capability as a key component to regional security," Earnest said.

With this sale, the two countries' air forces will become more interoperable, especially because they will train together on the aircraft, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Miller said during a press conference.

According to Miller, 5,500 Saudi Arabian personnel will be trained through 2019.

It will also send a strong message to countries in the region that the United States is committed to stability in the Persian Gulf, Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro told reporters.

The timing of the announcement and the latest tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz are not connected, according to Shapiro.

"This is not directed toward Iran; this is addressing Saudi Arabia's defense needs," he said, adding that work on the sale precedes the latest news out of the region. "We did not gin up a package based on current events in the region."

By law, the U.S. government must evaluate all sales to the region based on Israel's security needs. Having conducted that assessment, "We are satisfied that this sale will not decrement Israel's qualitative military edge," Shapiro said.

The Obama administration officials also emphasized the positive impact the sale would have on U.S. jobs.

According to the State Department, it will lead to 50,000 American jobs in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Boeing, the prime contractor, will work with over 600 suppliers in 44 states.

According to a recent report from the Congressional Research Service, Saudi Arabia has remained one of the top three purchasers of U.S. defense articles and services since 2003.

From 2007-10, the United States signed $13.8 billion worth in government-to-government sales agreements with the country.

Japan F-X Announcement Due Within Hours

TOKYO - The Japanese government's sudden decision to delay the announcement of a winner in its multibillion-dollar fighter program is widely regarded as a sign that Lockheed Martin's F-35 has emerged as a late frontrunner despite concerns over cost and local workshare, according to government and industry sources.

F-35 JOINT STRIKE Fighters sit on the tarmac at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., earlier this year. Japan is scheduled to make a decision Dec. 20 on the winner of its F-X fighter competition, and some say the F-35 is the favorite. (U.S. Air Force)

Japan's National Security Council was slated to announce Dec. 16 whether the F-35, Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet or the Eurofighter Typhoon will replace about 40 Mitsubishi F-4EJ Kai Phantoms starting in early 2017 under a contract valued at about $8 billion. The announcement has been moved to Tuesday, Dec. 20.

When the F-X competition began, the aim was to buy 48 air superiority fighters with little development cost and a large share of work for Japanese industry. The F-35 was considered a long shot because development was slipping, unit costs growing, and workshare prospects were more limited.

But Tokyo began to look more favorably on the plane after Japan was denied Lockheed's stealthy F-22 and concerns about China's military escalated.

Early last week, Japan's defense establishment was thrown into a furor following local media reports that the F-35 was the likely winner.

Senior government officials denied that any decision had been made.

But one source said the Joint Strike Fighter had long ago moved to the front of the pack because government officials decided that they wanted stealth, as much high technology as possible and a good relationship with the United States.

"The Japanese always wanted the JSF," said one source. "So they ended up with the result they wanted, and now the question is whether they can sustain it."

Picking the F-35 would invite criticism from the opposition and media of the plane's cost, schedule delays and a recent spate of reports that focused on shortcomings highlighted during development.

Critics may also charge that the competition has been less transparent than claimed, although executives of the three main contenders have said the MoD has been painstakingly careful to make the contest as fair and open as possible.

The stakes in the F-X competition go beyond replacing the F-4s; the winner is likely also to get the bigger prize of replacing more than 100 F-15Js within the next 10 years.

INTERNAL SPLIT

Shinichi Kiyotani, a military analyst and journalist, said the sudden delay in the announcement points to divisions within the MoD and the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) cabinet.

"There are internal discussions within the MoD; some bureaus are sold on it [the F-35], others aren't," Kiyotani said. "There is division at the top of the MoD, and there are still internal discussions within the DPJ Cabinet. There are so many problems with the F-35, it's seen as a huge risk."

Among other concerns, there's the question of whether the F-35 will offer enough local workshare to support Japan's ailing aerospace sector. The country's only active fighter-jet assembly line is slated to shut down after rolling out just six more Mitsubishi F-2s, a derivative of the F-16.

That consideration was seen as giving the edge to Eurofighter, which vowed to give Japanese industry as much as 95 percent of the work, or to Boeing, which said that more than 80 percent would be available. Lockheed offered less, but argued that access to next-generation production capabilities and coveted stealth technology outweighed financial value.

PERCEIVED RISKS

Kiyotani also noted concerns about the recent news of a slowdown in production of the F-35 caused by some lingering technical problems and the potential that U.S. politics and budget cuts could shrink the Pentagon's own purchase.

"The F-35 is already seen as very expensive. If the number of units is only a few a year, then that will push up costs," he said. "Nobody believes the Lockheed Martin story of an eventual $65 million or so a plane."

Alessio Patalano, a Japan military expert at King's College in London, agreed on the risks involved.

"Of these three options, the F-35 is on paper the one with superior performance characteristics, but it is an operationally untested aircraft, widely reported to run into constant escalating costs and with serious issues in relation to delivery timetables," Patalano said. "More importantly, there is no way to know at the moment if its ... superior stealth capabilities will make a difference in real-time missions: By the time it will enter into service, technology will have provided new ways to reduce the impact of this feature. Second, there is little guarantee as to whether once it is fully armed, this configuration will not have an impact on its stealth capabilities."

A senior Japanese industry source speaking on condition of anonymity also said industry doesn't yet fully buy into the F-35's value proposition.

"We have not yet got concrete information of how we will be involved," the executive said. "It is said that Japanese industry will assemble substantial portions of the F-35, according to the media, but we aren't sure exactly what systems and components Lockheed Martin will be allowed to permit industry to produce in the future.

"I am afraid that delays will happen that will increase costs next year or a few years later. Some feel that it is better that we avoid such a situation. Others want to us to pursue the newest fighter like some kind of super car," he said. "If Japan doesn't get the final version of the F-35 until a decade later, we may really need a different fighter. If there are delays, then the government may well have to put up with purchasing lower numbers."

Jun Okumura, a counselor for Eurasia Group, said the Japanese government will likely opt for the F-35 based on political reasons.

"The administration [of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda] places great value on the bilateral alliance, particularly at a time when a rising China is making waves in Japan's near abroad and beyond - including hints of its own Gen-5 program - and the U.S. has decided to reupholster its engagement in the Asia-Pacific," he said. "All that the government sources are willing to say now is that nothing has been decided yet. Assuming that it is indeed the F-35, though, it means that MoD could have, but did not, go for an interim, Gen-4+ solution while waiting for the questions around the F-35, including timing, to clear up."