Reports from Israel are suggesting that the Defence Force there could have as many as six V-22 Ospreys by the end of 2014.  Local defence sources reached this conclusion through assessment of negotiations between manufacturer JV Bell-Boeing and the US Air Force.  The tilt rotors are quoted as being part of a bigger specialist military aid package, aimed at maintaining Israel’s continued technological superiority.

The package is said to include a armaments for the a new radar system for F-16s and armaments for the F-35 fighter.  Israel is expected to be the only Middle Eastern country to operate the F-35, with first deliveries expected in 2016.

William P Johnson – HeliHub.com US correspondent