Israel is reiterating its obligation to supply China with all airborne early warning (AEW) systems covered by an agreement between the countries as Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) gears up for the last stages of a competition in Turkey.
Negotiations on exercising options for up to five more Elta Phalcon-equipped AEW aircraft resumed soon after Chinese premier Jiang Zemin's visit to Israel last month. Israel faces strong US pressure to abandon the deal (Flight International, 18-24 April).
Delivery of the first Beriev A-50 - a modified Ilyushin Il-76 - with a Phalcon is due early next year.
Meanwhile, Turkey will this month select an AEW system from either Raytheon/IAI or Boeing/Northrop Grumman teams.
Israeli sources say prices offered in the delayed Turkish contest have "dropped to the ground" and add that at least one potential customer has postponed the conclusion of an AEW competition until Israel's position with China is clearer.
Source: Flight International
