Israel Matzav

Iranian plane claims discounted

On Sunday, Iran claimed that it had increased the range of its fighter jets so that they can fly 3000 kilometers without refueling. But an Israeli expert discounted the claim, saying that it is a long way from having the range to actually being able to carry out an attack against a distant target (Hat Tip: Memeorandum).

But Yiftah Shapir, head of the Middle East Military Balance project at Tel Aviv University's Institute for National Security Studies, said there was a major difference between being able to fly 3,000 kilometers and actually carrying out a successful airstrike on a distant target.

"You may be able to technically fly the distance at high altitude without arms on the jet," Shapir said.

"But there's a big difference between that and flying low as you would on a mission to avoid radar, laden with arms, which takes up more fuel. You would need a plan to reach the target, hover it for five to ten minutes as you strike it, and then escape the area without being shot down and escape fighter jets.

"You would need the intelligence on targets, and a rescue plan. This is a very complex business, and I'm certain the Iranians are far from having that capability," he added.

I also would not expect the US to allow Iran to overfly Iraq, and I doubt Jordan would be willing to let them overfly that country either (not that the Jordanians don't hate Israel - they fear it).

So for now at least, Ahmadinejad's ability to attack Israel with conventional fighter jets is - thank God - only a pipe dream.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:44 PM