In an interview with Army Radio, outgoing IAF Equipment Directorate head Brig. Gen. Sh' warned that the Israeli Air Force cannot sustain its high readiness posture for a potential strike on Iran indefinitely, citing long-term costs to personnel and aircraft maintenance. He also detailed delays and excuses from European countries that have imposed an arms embargo on spare parts, and said Israel came close to having to ground aircraft. He acknowledged Israel's lasting dependence on the United States for key capabilities.
The outgoing head of the Israeli Air Force Equipment Directorate, Brig. Gen. Sh', warned in an interview with Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) that the service's prolonged high readiness posture in anticipation of a potential strike on Iran cannot be maintained indefinitely. "You can't stretch this for too long," he said, noting that the costs will manifest in both personnel burnout and aircraft maintenance degradation over time.
Brig. Gen. Sh' also detailed the impact of European arms embargoes on spare parts for multiple aircraft types, including F-35s, F-15s, and F-16s. He said some countries cited the Rome Statute as grounds for refusal, while others offered a range of excuses, such as inventory shortages, subcontractor bankruptcies, or warehouse fires. He revealed that Israel came close to being forced to ground aircraft due to the shortage, and that the crisis was averted only through reverse engineering, alternative sourcing, and pressure via US leverage.
On the question of Israel's dependence on the United States, the outgoing equipment chief acknowledged that full independence is impossible in key areas, particularly for F-35, F-15, and F-16 spare parts. "Without the US, it would be very difficult for us," he said, adding that while the degree of dependence can be managed, it cannot be entirely severed.
Regarding interceptor missile stocks — a topic he declined to detail for security reasons — Brig. Gen. Sh' noted that the IAF must constantly ensure sufficient force and assets across multiple fronts, from Yemen to Iran. He said the service is working through think tanks to determine the best way to fight with available resources. The interview was conducted by Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh (N13/Army Radio).
2 developments
- DevelopingSenior Israeli official warns: IAF will be over Tehran if Iran attacks
- DevelopingIsraeli official says a strike on Iran still seems distant but vigilance is maintained
- DevelopingIDF Chief of Staff: Israel closely monitoring, ready to resume fighting in Iran
- StrongIsraeli Defense Officials Say US, IDF on High Alert; Aggressive Strike Postponed
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Open-source intake