Stealth of F-35 strengthens alliances and worries potential foes as plane seen as direct threat to Iran

July 18, 2019
Reported stealth capabilities of the F-35 help change the political balance and transform alliances in the Middle East -- all without firing a shot.

WASHINGTON – No conversation about the world’s massive political and economic changes since 2015 is complete without mentioning the F-35 joint strike fighter, developed by Lockheed Martin. CNBC reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

18 July 2019 -- That became even clearer this week thanks to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to Iran’s provocative moves in the Persian Gulf and other threats from Tehran.

Standing in front of an F-35 stealth jet parked at an Israeli Air Force base, Netanyahu barely held back a smile as he said that Israel can reach Iran, but Iran cannot reach Israel. He didn’t add the words “undetected by radar,” but it was surely implied.

To understand why that soundbite with the visual backdrop was more than just bluster, you have trace the F-35's incredible history in the Middle East over the past four years.

Related: China says it has a long-range radar that can spot U.S. stealth aircraft at over-the-horizon distances

Related: F-35 Block 4 jet fighter could become killer for the Navy with Small Diameter Bomb II, Aim 9X Block II

Related: Artificial intelligence (AI) changes strategies for B-2 and F-35 combat aircraft

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Military Aerospace, create an account today!

Home

rakesh-kumar

May 15, 2019
Home

tim-seifert

May 15, 2019
Home

rex-harvey

May 15, 2019