MSOCS,
The Israeli government aren't buying F-35 because they get to build some wings for the F-35A! That's like saying I need this particular type of gun because ..... you'll etch my name on it for a discount?!!
How about if you got the gun for free, name etched on as well? Read on:
August 15/2010: Defense Minister Ehud Barak announces formal approval for purchasing the American F-35A. Reports indicate that Israel will buy 20 jets for about $2.75 billion, and add that the deal is a “closed package” with few to no Israeli modifications. The aircraft would be delivered from 2015-2017. If Israel chooses to buy more F-35s from later production blocks, they may have more Israeli systems.
Defense Ministry Director-General Udi Shani reportedly said that one of the considerations in approving the deal was an American offer of $4 billion in industrial offset contracts to Israeli defense industries. Their exact composition will be part of negotiations and future agreements with Lockheed Martin, who already has good relations with Israeli defense firms in a number of spheres. The entire deal will be funded by American military aid dollars, and still needs the Israeli cabinet’s approval before a contract can be signed and announced.
Wings are in the $4B offset agreement. The UK should get such a deal!
