Israel plans military 'revolution' to face new regional threat

Israel plans military 'revolution' to face new regional threat
By Jonathan MarcusBBC Defence Correspondent



Israel's armed forces - the most powerful and best equipped in the Middle East - are changing. Older tanks and aircraft will be retired. Some 4,000 - maybe even more - professional career officers will be dismissed.

A range of other changes over the next five years are intended to make the Israeli military leaner but more effective.

Elements of the plans were set out by the Israel Defense Forces' Chief of Staff, Benny Gantz, earlier this week.

Once implemented, they promise what some analysts have described as "a revolution" in Israel's military affairs.

In part, of course, this is all about money. The defence budget in Israel is under growing pressure - social protest has erupted on Israel's streets too. Significant cuts have to be made.

This is one reason why units equipped with older tanks like derivatives of the US M60 will be disbanded, as well as some Air Force units with older aircraft that are much more expensive to maintain.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

Quote :

The risk from non-state actors, of asymmetric warfare, and greater unrest along Israel's borders is increasing and it is these threats that the Israeli military has to plan for”

Michael HerzogRetired IDF Brig Gen
Streamlining the career military may also save funds in the long run.

Shift of emphasis

more

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23287787