Boeing and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) are resisting attempts to undermine their joint venture aimed at co-producing and marketing the IAI Arrow anti-tactical ballistic missile system. Talks on selling the Arrow system to Turkey and India continue.
Raytheon claims the venture will affect the export prospects for US anti-tactical ballistic missiles, including its own Patriot air-defence system. Israeli sources say Raytheon was one of three companies approached to become the US Arrow partner, but terminated negotiations at an early stage.
The Arrow system will be offered to potential customers in 2004 with the approval of both two governments. In addition to Turkey, potential customers include: India, which bought the associated Green Pine radar in a separate deal; Patriot operator Japan; and South Korea, also a potential customer for the latest Patriot PAC-3.
Boeing has received US Department of State approval for the exchange of technical data between the two companies. This clears the way to begin planning for US production of Arrow components, with delivery to Israel in late 2003.
Source: Flight International
