The “Yediot Ahronot” daily reports that the Australian Air Force is considering canceling its purchase of Popeye air-to-ground missiles from the Israel Armaments Development Authority (Rafael), due to difficulties in adapting the missiles to its F-111 fighters. The “Flight” aviation weekly reported that Australia is considering selling the missiles to Greece.
The $60 million purchase agreement for Popeye missiles from the Israel Armaments Development Authority (Rafael) was signed two years ago. The Australian government is reconsidering the deal as part of its reevaluation of several defense projects.
The contract with the Australian government was signed by Pegasus, a joint subsidiary of Rafael and US concern Lockheed-Martin. The company was founded in the US to manufacture the air-to-ground missile.
F-111 fighters are seldom used; the Australian Air Force is one of the few to operate them. The planes are outdated, with high maintenance and operating costs, and many Australian Army decision-makers are calling for their retirement. These complaints also played a role in the decision to reevaluate the purchase of Popeye missiles from Rafael.
Rafael said that the Australian F-111 upgrading program was a comprehensive plan, the delay of which is unconnected to the Popeye missile. “As far as we are concerned, the deal is on. Rafael is unaware of any intention on the part of the Australian Air Force to sell the Popeye missiles to the Greek Air Force,” Rafael’s announcement said.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on February 12, 2001