Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a $1.1 billion deal to supply "defensive and offensive" systems to an undisclosed Asian customer.
Signed earlier this month, the contract covers a range of products, including missiles, unmanned air vehicles and intelligence-gathering systems, plus upgrades to in-service combat aircraft and helicopters. The work will be performed over the next four years, with sources saying that IAI beat competition from a number of European and US companies.
IAI said securing the new contract has boosted the value of its orders backlog to $10 billion.
The timing of the announcement came days after reports that Udi Shani, director general of the Israeli defence ministry, had visited Italy and South Korea earlier this month to discuss Tel Aviv's advanced jet trainer competition.
Israel has yet to issue a request for proposals for the expected 30-aircraft deal, but will choose between the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 and an unarmed variant of the Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50.
Israel has previously sold defence equipment to Asia-Pacific countries including Australia, China, India, Singapore and South Korea, although its business with Beijing has fallen off in the past decade owing to pressure from the USA.
IAI had a major presence at air shows in Australia, India and South Korea last year and will also be present at next month's Singapore air show.
Report compiled by Arie Egozi and Greg Waldron
Source: Flight International
