Israel's V-22 mistake.

The Israeli's are making a mistake by selecting the V-22.  Not only is it an expensive option to a requirement that can best be served by other aircraft, but it is a first gen airplane that already has its replacement on the drawing boards.

The V-280 that Boeing looks to be ready to get started on, promises to provide a nimble UH-60 sized airplane that can not only transport but also fire support for Israeli Special Ops Teams.

One question that should be asked but never was (probably because of the euphoria surrounding UBL's killing) is why didn't the Special Operations Command deem the V-22 the airplane of choice when it came to conducting its most famous raid?

It choose the MH-47G to transport reinforcements and heavily modified UH-60's to conduct the actual assault.  The only time the V-22 showed up was to transport the body of UBL out to a carrier.

When push came to shove, SOCOM relied on variations of tried and true machines.  Additionally Israel needs a CH-53 replacement.  While waiting for the V-280, the Israeli's could acquire CH-53K's which will boast the ability to insert troops into defended airspace as part of its package out the box.

The V-22 is a great plane if you're talking expeditionary warfare.  If you're talking insertion of Special Ops personnel into tight landing places deep inside enemy territory, I think it might be wise to wait on the next generation of tilt rotors.  Israel should wait for the V-280.