Can't afford 'em, It'd be like buying a Porsche SUV when a simple Humvee would do.
If Meteors will be used on Euro-35s, why wouldn't the software simply be THERE on ALL -35s? I assume they will fit in the weapons bays. Or am I assuming too much? The Israelis will not want Sidewinders instead of Pythons, will they?
Well, if I understand correctly, when the US says no, there will be no Meteors on it until much much later. It has to do with the "classified" software, with buyers not being allowed to modify it. The reasons are often quoted as protection of sensitive tech, or even protectionism of industry, but I think largely it's about the support contracts (liability, responsibility, blabla).
UK analysts have expressed concerns about this, basically only JSF industry can do upgrades and only with LM, I guess that means US approval. MBDA proposed a weapon layout with four missiles, the UK could push it in as Level 2 partner, but as you say, it's all about the money and I'm not sure they will. If the UK doesn't demand it, then I don't see how it will.
Israel has also expressed its concerns about the conditions. Israel has a "tradition" of ripping out half the systems and putting their own industries' tech in. This is not allowed on the JSF, or at least they don't get any cooperation from the OEM. Imho it's why they have only committed to ordering 19 aircraft so far.
I don't see how adding the Python would be a problem though, as it largely relies on its own IIR, the rest is just Sidewinder X-like, they may need to make some changes to the Python though. The active Derby though, that may be tricky if you can't modify the software. I don't know how similar it is to the AMRAAM, may be compatible.
It's more about the indigenous ECM/EW, Satcom/Datalinking, and sensors, and all that stuff which makes Israeli jets different, than just the missiles.
Could definately use some information on these things. But as with most things JSF, information is lacking. But as I understood it, there's basically no garantee that you will be able to make your own changes to any software and thus most hardware. And as it has been brought up so often, I suspect that means it is more the case with the JSF than any previous aircraft.
Oops--we're talking about Raptors here, right?
RIGHT, sorry, we could continue the JSF weapon discussions in a new topic.
About the F-22,
Where are we now? It's been some weeks, any news on a cause, solution, schedule?