ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
USA holds back on giving approval for release of technical data for integration of system
Time is running out for an Israeli attempt to supply Elisra electronic warfare (EW) equipment for Greece's new Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds Block 50-Pluses.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is expected to seek last minute US approval for the deal during a planned visit to Washington, next month. "If this effort fails, the deal is doomed, "says an Israeli defence ministry source.
Officially the approval has been delayed because of US uncertainty about interoperability of the Israeli EW suite with other NATO systems. The advanced nature of the system is also said to be a factor.
Despite numerous technical briefings, the US Air Force has still not approved the release of data to allow integration of the Elisra system for the F-16.
In September 2000, the Greek defence ministry cancelled an international EW suite competition for 50 F-16 Block 50-Plus fighters. Instead, the ministry asked Hellenic Aerospace Industries to supply a system through co-operation with overseas suppliers.
Greece's in-service F-16s have the Litton/Marconi/Raytheon Advanced Self Protection Integrated Suite (ASPIS). Before the tender was cancelled, Raytheon offered Greece an advanced ASPIS.
The Elisra Advanced Self Protection Suite (ASPS), which will form the core of the Greek equipment, is based on the company's experience in developing and manufacturing EW equipment for Israeli Boeing F-15Is. It is also supplying EW suites for Israeli F-16Is, which are Block 50-Plus based.
Israeli sources say if the effort fails, it will have great significance for future deals to install Israeli systems on US platforms. In the past, the USA has blocked an attempt to install Elta radars on Israeli F-16s.
Meanwhile, Greece's neighbour and rival Turkey has set 14 December as the deadline for submitting bids to equip up to 250 helicopters with EW systems, a deal potentially worth $400 million.
The original deadline was 28 September, which was extended to 9 November. Sources in Turkey say no more extensions are expected. The programme includes local production. The EW systems will be installed on existing fleets, and on the Bell AH-1Zs the Turkish army plans to purchase.
Source: Flight International
