Armenia, which is distancing itself from Russia, is looking for new sources to purchase advanced defense systems and is considering purchasing the Israeli Barak 8 air defense system (MR-SAM), a surface-to-air missile produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). ), Bulgarian military reports. The MR-SAM was a product of Israeli-Indian cooperation.
The company responsible for this system, which was launched in March, is ASI, the Indian subsidiary of IAI. ASI transacts in the Indian currency, the rupee, and is the only one that deals in MR-SAM, an advanced and innovative medium-range air defense system that provides protection against a variety of air threats and is used by the Indian Army and Air Force. Force and navy. The system includes a phased array radar, command and control system, mobile launchers and interceptors equipped with an advanced radio frequency sensor. The system was developed in collaboration between IAI and India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for use by Indian security forces.
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Armenia is currently interested in purchasing more modern air defense systems. The country operates a defense system based on the Russian S-300 system, which is considered a counterpart to the MR-SAM system. The Russian system is designed to protect against aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. The MR-SAM is 4.5 meters long and has a diameter of about 0.225 metres. Its advantage lies in its relatively light weight, 275 kg, which allows it to be deployed on several sea and land platforms.
Armenia's interest is unprecedented, because Israel has been the main supplier of military equipment to Azerbaijan. Moreover, offensive measures produced by IAI, such as Harop loitering munitions, were among the reasons for Azerbaijan's victory in the Second Karabakh War in 2020. Also, in recent months, important agreements continued to be signed between Israel and Azerbaijan, one of which is the sale of a system Barak MX air defense worth $1.2 billion.
On the other hand, a possible explanation for Armenia's interest in MR-SAMs is that Yerevan has an excellent relationship with New Delhi, and is trying to maximize it.
Published by Globes, Israel Business News – en.globes.co.il – on June 20, 2024.
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