Two weeks after its export licenses were reinstated, the Israeli arms maker Aeronautics Ltd. announced that it has signed a new $13 million contract with Azerbaijan. The company live-tested its products on Artsakh positions by an order from Baku, which is considered a violation of Israeli law and was under criminal investigation.
The new contract ensures that Aeronautics will also ensure the maintenance of the the Orbiter 1 Kamakaze—or suicide—drones.
In 2017, Israel’s defense ministry suspended the sale of the Kamikaze drones manufactured by Aeronautics Ltd. to Azerbaijan, after reports of live testing the drones on Artsakh targets was reported, resulting in a criminal investigation.
In late January, the Israeli defense ministry suspended the export licenses of three high-level company officials effective April of this year. While this suspension remain in effect for the individuals, the company has been cleared to complete a deal estimated at $20 million with Azerbaijan paving the way for Azeri forces to use the drones on Artsakh targets.
It is worth noting that, according to the Times of Israel, the defense ministry’s lifting of the ban on sales came three weeks after Aeronautics Ltd. was sold to Rafaek, a state-run defense contractor for a reported $231.7 million.
In 2017, it was reported that officials of the company refused the request to carry out live testing of the the Orbiter 1K suicide drone system on live Artsakh targets, and after being threatened by Azerbaijani, senior representative of the company armed and operated the drone, which is said to have missed its target without causing damage.
According to reports by the Artsakh Armed Forces, Azerbaijani forces carried out a drone attack in northeastern Artsakh on July 7, 2017, injuring two soldiers.
Armenians should take note and improve their national production capabilities, Export is a good business, why not sell made in Armenia weapons in countries where Israel’s interests are in play.
Russia won’t allow Armenia to get ahead of itself. It serves no purpose to Russian interests.
Excellent idea. And also demonstrate the weapons on the Israelis .
Business as usual
It seems within our grasp to sign the same deal with Israel. 13 million is a lot of money but it is within the realm of posibility. One world wide fund raising drive, and there’s the money. If Israel refuses us, than Armenia or Artsackh can proceed with Kamikaze drone production.
Israel can do what it wants. It’s Armenia and Artsakh that need to be prepared anytime. For every drone there is a drone killer. For every weapon there is a killer. As for Israel?