Security Market: Israel Aims for Asia

Security Market: Israel Aims for Asia

This post is also available in: heעברית (Hebrew)

By Arie Egozi, iHLS corespondent in Asia

22763602_m featureThe Israeli defense industries are in the process of storming several Asian markets, although they’re encountering intense competition – especially from American companies.

The recent visit by U.S. President Barack Obama to Japan was, among other things, aimed at helping the U.S. defense industries win the fattest contracts. An Israeli source familiar with the issue told iHLS that despite the intense competition the Israeli industries have “relatively good” chances, especially concerning missile defense systems. Several countries, especially Japan and South Korea, view missile and rocket defense as a priority due to the North Korean threat.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

Several systems developed in Israel – some under development right now – have been drawing foreign interest for a while now. It seems, though, that as far as the Magic Wand system for long range rockets and the Arrow system for ballistic missiles Washington will have to authorize any potential deals, because the U.S. is involved in funding and research for both projects.

The Israeli source in Asia said that there might be a joint deal involving both U.S. and Israeli companies who will offer systems to threatened Asian states. Another strong option for Israeli defense industries is security for offshore infrastructure facilities.