The Latvian government is interested in buying border protection systems from Rafael (Israel Armament Development Authority). The systems are similar to those installed this year along the Israel-Lebanon border. Latvian Minister of Defense Girts Valdis Kristovskis was briefed yesterday on the system, now on exhibition in the Israeli pavilion in the Eurosatory military trade show in Paris.
In addition to defense of land borders, Latvia also expressed interest in coastal defenses. Kristovskis said Latvia also planned to cooperate with Israeli industries in other fields.
The head of the procurement administration in Britain's Ministry of Defense visited the Israeli pavilion, organized by the Israel Ministry of Defense. The latter called the visit "a reflection of the special relationship between the Israel and British Ministries of Defense."
Britain has embargoed arms sales to Israel, following the military confrontation in the territories. Martin-Baker was barred from selling ejection seat systems for fighter planes to the Israel Air Force.
At the exhibition, the CEO of Spanish company Santa Barbara, acquired by US company General Dynamics, discussed the potential of industrial cooperation with Israeli companies. General Dynamics also acquired the civilian airplane division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI); General Dynamics and IAI are now jointly manufacturing Galaxy and Astra planes.
The Polish deputy minister of defense and deputy economic minister responsible for defense industries, who are representing Poland at the exhibition, discussed cooperation with the Israeli representatives. Poland reversed Elbit Systems (Nasdaq: ESLTF) and Rafael's win of a $700 million tender to upgrade transportation helicopters for combat and to supply air-to-ground missiles.
A delegation from the Netherlands also visited the Israeli pavilion. The Netherlands has embargoed all arms transactions with Israel, whether purchases or sales.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on June 20, 2002