India has begun talks with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) about the purchase of two Elta Phalcon airborne early warning systems. In a separate deal, India has bought the Green Pine phased array detection radar made by IAI subsidiary Elta.
The Phalcon talks are part of India's efforts to bolster its early-warning system, but any deal could face US opposition. India is among 27 countries that the USA considers "sensitive and worrying" in connection with any sale of advanced defence systems.
Sources in the Israeli Ministry of Defence say that so far, Washington has not objected to the Green Pine contract, but opposition to the Phalcon deal may arise in the future, as happened with a similar deal involving China.
The Green Pine radar was developed as an integral part of the Arrow, Israel's anti-tactical ballistic missile system. India has bought the radar as a standalone detection sensor.
Meanwhile, IAI is awaiting clarification from Beijing about the way forward after the collapse of China's Phalcon deal, which was cancelled after fierce pressure from the USA. Installation of Phalcon had started on an Ilyushin Il-76, which is parked at IAI facilities.
It is understood that the main components of the Phalcon system manufactured for the Chinese deal could be installed on a different platform if the system is selected by another client, such as India.
It is unclear what the Chinese plan to do with the Il-76, however. The fixed dome that was installed on the aircraft in the Beriev plant in Russia has been disassembled.
Source: Flight International
