Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is focusing its marketing efforts on a down-sized version of the Phalcon airborne early warning (AEW) system, offering the variant to India. The move follows the cancellation of a contract with China for the full-capability Phalcon earlier this year after the USA blocked the deal.
IAI declines to elaborate on the versions to be offered, but says that there is a market for systems with limited capabilities. An IAI source adds that the smaller versions will be carried by aircraft like the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules or even business jet-sized aircraft.
The Phalcon is being offered to India for "tactical missions". The country had previously expressed concern that the USA could try to prevent such a deal, and the Indian air force has indicated its readiness to evaluate a downsized system.
Source: Flight International
