The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of JP-8 Aviation Jet and Diesel fuel. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $308 million. The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 90,000,000 gallons of JP-8 aviation jet fuel and 42,000,000 gallons of diesel fuel. The estimated cost is $308 million. This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The proposed sale of the JP-8 aviation fuel will enable Israel to maintain the operational capability of its aircraft inventory. The diesel fuel will be used for ground forces vehicles and other equipment used in keeping peace and security in the region. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this additional fuel into its armed forces. The proposed sale of these two types of diesel fuel will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The Defense Energy Supply Center is unable to identify the vendors at this time due to the competitive bid process for the supply sources(s). There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
JP-8, or JP8 (for “Jet Propellant 8”) is a jet fuel, specified and used widely by the US military. It is specified by MIL-DTL-83133, NATO code F-34, British Defence Standard 91-87, and similar to commercial aviation’s Jet A-1, but with the addition of corrosion inhibitor and anti-icing additives. It was first introduced at NATO bases in 1978. It was specified in 1990 by the U.S. government as a replacement for government diesel fueled vehicles. The U.S. Air Force replaced JP-4 with JP-8 completely by the end of 1995, to use a less flammable, less hazardous fuel for better safety and combat survivability. A kerosene-based fuel, JP-8 is projected to remain in use at least until 2025.
