The IDF doesn't operate long distances from its Israels border except in the odd situations like Entebbe so most of the time helicopters are suitable. The Osprey would not have been much good in Entebbe because it doesn't have the range or size to carry the troops and equipment to Uganda. For now Israel should concentrate on its fighter aircraft fleet and it should also think twice about getting the F35. It has a small payload capacity, its not as agile as F16 and some of the modern European aircraft. Its only got small fuel tanks and its to expensive to ever replace the become the main fighter in the Israeli fleet which it was originally planned. It can't carry Israeli designed bombs & missiles without expensive modifications. The US won't let Israel install its own avionics or do things like replace the engines ourselves it must the sent to the US for any major repairs. Other than the stealth capacities F35 is everything Israel does not need in a next generation fighter. We should look into buying European planes like Grippen or Typhoon. If we want something with Stealth India is co producing with Russia an equivilent of the F22. With India a partner in development I am sure Israel could get permission for a limited number of this new plane. We could even offer to contribute to the development in terms of things like avionics. Small number of that as a stealth jet to replace the F15 and look into other cheaper options to replace the F16

accept jesus get the plane half price

I bet, you'd be the first to scream "Anti-Semitism," if anyone made your tedious remarks with regard to Judaism. I don't believe in religion of any kind, but if you want respect for yours, I suggest that you respect someone else's. As it is, you sound petty.

The US Marine Corp is being transformed by the versatility that the Osprey, and no other aircraft in history, offers. It's an infantry plane and Israel deserves the best for warriors in Golani, Givati, Nahal, Kfir, and Tznefim. At least try some with Givati, and then decide.

the blackhawk helicopter's top speed is 300 kph, so the v-22's top speed isn't really "more than three times that of any other helicopter".

what is the news?

Hmmm, I wonder outloud how much good state of the art aircraft will be for Israel's future wars? We are seeing the Arabs loading themselves up with missiles, tens of thousands, soon equipped with nukes (Iran). Will future wars resemble 67 or take on new aspects. I would not also want to be too dependent on the USA..especially as long as Obama is around (perhaps 2 terms). The Lavi should be reconsidered..to keep independent, But can Israel make its own jet engines?

To Jake: I doubt that Israel can manufacture the jet engines for this plane, and would still have to rely on US companies ( with their strings). Is the Lavi worth the investment, or is it still better to buy American, or French or even Russian? What political implications then? Yes planes provide ground support..and hit infrastructure..but can missiles equal or better the destruction and reliance? The Muslims are building (and buying) tens of thousands of missiles, to aim at Israel. Do they know something.

The needs of the Marine Corp is not the same as the needs of Israeli infantry. Whilst the marines operate of carriers rather than mainland USA they need to be able to transport large numbers of men sometimes long distances fast so V22 is ideal for them. Israel rarely operates far beyond its borders and when it does usually the needs are either for heavy lift cargo airplanes like the C130 or fighter planes. Within Israel itself armor, fighters and for the most part. If it can carry heavy payloads like heavy lift helicopters thats certainly a possible use Israel could have for it but does the cost justify the needs for Israel with its limited funds and the fact it would not have alot of uses in Israel.

I don't think AY_Lamb is Jewish

1.) Sweden will NEVER EVER, under NO circumstances WHATSOEVER, sell any SAAB J-39 Gripen fighers to Israel, PURELY and ONLY for the POLITICAL REASONS!!! 1.) West European consortium, i.e. the West European governments involved, will NEVER EVER sell any Typhoon fighers to Israel, PURELY and ONLY due to the POLITICAL REASONS!!! 3.) India is ALREADY involved in the future project to develp stealth figters together with Russia (to be common for their two air forces). They DO NOT NEED & do not want Israel there!!! The ONLY Western country (except USA), which COULD PERHAPS CONSIDER selling fighter-bombers to Israel is France (again, after 50 years!). BUT, their Dassault RAFALE is almost as EXPENSIVE as the F-35, i.e. VERY expensive - and, there are NO French tax-payers' money to subsidise such a deal - Cash is the king! So, please, for ONCE, be a REALIST!!! By the way, I agree with you to 100%, that IAF doesn't need V22s. The latest & most powerful version of Sikorsky CH-53 would do very well, in some respects, important for IAF's needs, better, for considerably less money.