Russia recently announced that it was suspending the sale of combat aircraft to Syria.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is speeding up delivery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Russia after the Russian government announced last week that it was suspending the sale of its Mig 31 fighter aircraft to Syria.
The deal worth $50 million was signed last month and Israel is now expected to deliver the first of the UAVs by the end of 2009. The development has enormous strategic importance for the Middle East with Israel strengthening its defense relationship with Russia, while Moscow seems to be weakening its defense relationship with Syria and Iran.
IAI is also expected to sale long range missiles to Russia.
At the same time sources close to the Indian Defense Ministry report that the Indian government is negotiating with IAI for the purchase of three AWACS aircraft for $1.35 billion. This is in addition to the three AWACS aircraft that the Indian government is currently buying from IAI for $1.1 billion.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 24, 2009
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