U.S. Objections Torpedo Purchase Of Israeli F-16s

The Israeli Defense Ministry has announced that it will not be able to complete a planned sale of 12 F-16 fighter jets to Croatia, reports the Jerusalem Post. 

Israel was unable to get Washington's permission to transfer the U.S.-made fighters, which were modified with Israeli equipment, Croatian Defense Minister Damir Krsticevic said on Thursday, as reported by Reuters. 

In March 2018, Croatia agreed to purchase 12 F-16C/D Barak fighter jets equipped with Israeli-made electronics systems at a cost of about US$500 million.

Washington opposed the sale, citing concerns over the transfer of Israeli technology in the U.S. jets. The U.S. insisted that the fighters be returned to the condition in which they were sold to Israel before being transferred to Croatia.

The advanced Israeli systems were the primary factor in Croatia's decision to buy the Israeli jets, instead of U.S. aircraft, reported the Times of Israel. 

Parliament Speaker Gordon Jandrokovic said previously that a new tender would be issued if Israel was unable to deliver the aircraft.