Israel has begun discussions with the Pentagon for the purchase of 50

Israel has begun discussions with the Pentagon for the purchase of 50 F-22s for delivery in 2006-2007, and has launched development of a new short-range air-to-air missile, the Python 5, as well as of a medium-range missile. It also is working on a new, anti-missile system comprising air-to-ground missiles carried by UAVs and intended to strike ballistic missile launchers. The Israeli air force plans to spend $30 billion on procurement over the next decade. (Ha'aretz, April 13)