IDF mulls scaling back on pilots' training

Following decision to suspend acquisition of Iron Dome batteries, military says it may have no choice but to cut IAF reservists' flying time

Yoav Zitun|Published: 02.13.12 , 08:10

With budget cuts looming over the defense establishment, the IDF is exploring the possibility of cutting back to IAF reservists' aerial training, Ynet learned Monday.

The possibility is being explored alongside other measures, such as the defense establishment's decision to suspend the purchase of Iron Dome batteries, and the cancelling of several drills.

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IDF sources warned that cutting back on pilots' training would impede their fighting abilities, noting that it was a "red line that has never been crossed."

Defense budget cuts may also affect the Air Force's auxiliary maintenance protocols, which are funded by the government. Such funds are used for the routine maintenance and upgrade of aircrafts' weapons systems.

Sources in the Defense Ministry rebuffed claims that the ministry was "misleading the public" and that in fact the defense establishment's budget had not been cut, saying that the "actual budget is decreasing every year."

The ministry also warned of the "lack of symmetry between the increasing threats to Israel and the investments in the IDF's budget," saying: "Anyone can see that the number of missions is only growing.

"Defensive systems alone demand NIS 15-20 billion ($4-5 billion) of a perennial plan's budget. Steinitz is forcing us back to 2006."

Ministry sources admitted that while the government refrained from cutting NIS 3 billion ($807 million) from the defense budget this year, its existing deficit was never covered.

"Since the government plans more budget cuts next year all that we can do is suspend acquisitions," a military source said.

"It spans for tank deals and their Windbreaker defense system to Iron Dome batteries, not to mention assistance to disabled veterans and bereaved families. When they cut the defense budget, they cut the level of defense."