ISRAEL: Israel presents a surveillance aircraft that could be used in a strike on Iran

Record ID: 395647

  • Title: ISRAEL: Israel presents a surveillance aircraft that could be used in a strike on Iran
  • Date: 10th July 2008
  • Summary: (EU) BEN GURION AIRPORT, ISRAEL (JULY 10, 2008) (REUTERS) CAEW AIRCRAFT ON TARMAC JET ENGINE AND VIEW OF AIRCRAFT SIGN ON SIDE OF AIRCRAFT READING: "ISRAEL AIR FORCE" VARIOUS OF AIRCRAFT
  • Embargoed: 25th July 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Israel
  • Country: Israel
  • Topics: Defence / Military
  • Reuters ID: LVADT42334CBFWDD4YP0H6UJNYHP
  • Story Text: A modified business jet that could be key to an Israeli air strike on Iran went on display on Thursday (July 10), ahead of its first exhibition at an international air show.
    The Israeli Air Force has already taken delivery of three of the Gulfstream G550 business jets, converted by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and a subsidiary, ELTA, to function as Conformal Airborne Early Warning and Control planes.
    Such planes, crammed with sophisticated electronic gear, provide intelligence and communications assistance to strike aircraft and would likely play a central role in directing any Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear installations.
    The twin-engine Gulfstream on display for Israel-based journalists at IAI's plant near Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion airport bore the words "Israel Air Force" on its blue-and-white fuselage.
    Avishay Yitzhakian, a deputy-manager for IAI's Elta subsidiary gave general details of the modified Gulfstream's capabilities, saying it was equipped with advanced radar, communications and intelligence-gathering systems, and could reach long-range targets.

    "This is our third generation, the highlight of it is that we are using phased array - active phased array - or what is called "azza"
    technology, software radar, and a very efficient business jet, Gulfstream G550," Yitzhakian said.
    The Gulfstream G550 has a range of 6,750 nautical miles (12,500 kilometres), which would enable it to stay on station for hours above Iran and elsewhere in the region.
    An IAI spokeswoman said the decision to display the aircraft had "no connection to the recent news" about Iran, and the timing was "completely coincidental". The plane is to go on display next week at the Farnborough international aerospace exhibition in Britain.
    Speculation that Israel could bomb Iran has mounted since a big Israeli air drill last month. U.S. leaders have not ruled out military options if diplomacy fails to end the nuclear row.
    Iran has responded by saying it will strike back at Tel Aviv, as well as U.S. interests and shipping, if it is hit. Tehran insists its nuclear programme has only civilian goals.
    Iran has said missiles fired during wargames under way in the Gulf included ones that could hit Israel and U.S. bases.
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