Israel Requests C-130J From U.S.

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- Israel has submitted a formal request for advanced
tactical air transports in a $1.9 billion project.
Israel has asked the United States for nine C-130J-30 aircraft in what
officials said would modernize the air transport fleet of the Jewish state.
They said the C-130Js would be equipped with advanced self-protection
systems to counter surface-to-air missiles.
"The proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security
objectives of the U.S. by providing the Israeli government with a credible
special operations airlift capability that will deter aggression in the
region, provide humanitarian airlift capability, and ensure interoperability
with U.S. forces in coalition operations," the Defense Security Cooperation
Agency said.