A HIGH-RANKING Israeli delegation has visited the Netherlands in an attempt to clinch a contra deal covering the supply of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) to the Dutch army, in exchange for the purchase of military trucks.
Israel Aircraft Industries is offering the Dutch army a variant of its Ranger UAV. The Israelis are in competition with GEC-Marconi, which is offering its Phoenix UAV, as well as with Italian and French systems.
Despite Israeli claims that the Ranger has been selected, the Dutch defence ministry says that the competition remains open, with no final decision having been taken.
According to sources, the negotiations between the Dutch and the Israelis are at an advanced stage, with a contract signing possible as early as May.
Source: Flight International
