Israel and Czech Republic sign $125 mn missile defence deal

Israel's defence ministry signed a deal with its Czech counterpart on Thursday to sell it radar systems used in the Jewish state's Iron Dome missile defence system.

The radars will be integrated into the Czech air defence system which will use Prague's own rocket launchers, a ministry spokesperson said.

The radars, used for air surveillance and defence, "will be interoperable with Czech and NATO command and control systems", a ministry statement said.

It said the deal, signed in Prague, was worth some $125 million. Delivery is set for 2021-2023.

Czech defence minister Lubomir Metnar said the acquisition was one of the country's "key modernisation projects" for its armed forces.

He said the deal would help start "the process of ending our dependence on obsolete Russian machinery and at the same time acquire modern and battle-tested systems from a long-term strategic partner".

The Iron Dome system was developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, with American funding.

It is designed to intercept rockets and artillery shells fired from a range of four to 70 kilometres (three to 45 miles).

The Israeli air force has operated it since 2011, thwarting hundreds of rocket attacks from Gaza and Syria.

Related Links
Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com
Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com

Tweet

Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly

paypal only

SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once

credit card or paypal

Pompeo: Turkey test of Russian defense system 'concerning'
Washington (AFP) Nov 26, 2019
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday voiced alarm over Turkey's testing of its Russian missile defense system but said the NATO ally could still return to Washington's good graces. "It's concerning," Pompeo told reporters when asked about reports that Turkey used US-developed F-16 fighter jets to test the S-400 system controversially purchased from Moscow. But he added: "We are hopeful. We're still talking to the Turks. We're still trying to figure our way through this thing." "We h ... read more