Israel Aims to Develop a Drone Comparable to the F-35's Performance

Reference News Network reported on August 1 According to a report by Bloomberg News on July 30, a senior Israeli official revealed that Israel plans to develop an unmanned combat aircraft that matches the performance of the F-35. Due to being embroiled in multiple wars, Israel's international situation is becoming increasingly isolated, and the country is vigorously promoting independent military production.

The official, who requested anonymity, stated that Israel plans to reduce its dependence on U.S. defense aid over the next decade, opting instead for a model of joint development and joint production.

The official said that one of the components of this plan is to develop an unmanned combat aircraft that matches the F-35, with multiple countries potentially participating in this project. The F-35 is the most advanced aircraft currently in service with the Israeli Air Force.

The report pointed out that currently, the military operations by the U.S. and Israel against Iran are costly and have not achieved decisive victories. Additionally, Israel's actions in Gaza have led to a long-standing bipartisan shift in U.S. support for Israel, and the U.S. may also introduce policies to restrict arms exports. In this context, Israel has to seek military autonomy.

According to reports, Israel has historically faced weapon supply disruptions. In the late 1960s, France imposed an arms embargo on it, forcing Israel to embark on a path of military self-research and development, resulting in the production of fighter jets like the "Kfir." Subsequently, under pressure from the U.S., Israel abandoned the domestic "Lion" fighter jet project.

At that time, the U.S. hoped to eliminate potential competitors and protect its defense exports to Israel and other clients. Now, as Israel conducts military operations on multiple fronts, there is intense debate within the U.S. Congress about whether the U.S. should continue to provide military equipment to Israel.

According to reports, David Rodman, a researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies in Israel, wrote in a policy report published on the 29th: “If the U.S. continues the current political trend, it may even become impossible for Israel to procure its combat bombers in the future.” (Translated by Wang Dongdong)