Boeing has resumed talks with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) on the possible co-production of the Israeli developed Arrow anti-tactical ballistic missile system.
In January, Boeing suspended talks with IAI following concern over the then incoming Bush Administration's policy on technology transfer. The Israeli defence ministry says Boeing has now resumed the discussions.
IAI is seeking a US partner to allow the Israeli air force to purchase additional Arrow batteries using US foreign military sales funds and to allow manufacture of the system at a price that will allow exports. India, Japan and Turkey have expressed interest in the system.
The USA funded most of the Arrow missile development, which means Tel Aviv needs Washington's approval for any export deal. A co-production agreement is considered likely to facilitate sales.
A Turkish Arrow acquisition was discussed during a visit by Israeli defence minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer to Ankara earlier this month.
Source: Flight International
