UAV for Ukraine – Israel out, U.S. in
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ARIE EGOZI
After the Ukraine market for unmanned air vehicle (UAV) was almost completely closed to Israeli companies, the U.S is moving in with force.
The U.S. Administration informed that it is going to authorize the contract pertaining the delivery of the micro RQ-11B Raven UAV systems for the Ukrainians.
According to the information released by the U.S. Government, the California-based Aerovironment Inc. company concluded a contract, the aim of which is to acquire small RQ-11B Raven UAV systems for Ukraine. The agreement, the value of which reaches USD 9.049 million, is being a part of the Foreign Military Sales programme. The contract is going to be realized on 11th May 2016.
RQ-11B Raven is being used by more than 30 armies all around the world, including the U.S. Army.
According to Defense 24 , the Americans had announced the deliveries of the Raven UAV systems for the Ukrainians earlier, within the framework of military assistance programme, thus the procurement is probably going to be financed by the U.S. government.
The RQ-11B Raven UAV weighs only 2 kilograms, it may be transported in a backpack container. The drone takes-off from the hand of the operator. Its flight-endurance reaches 80 minutes and the system may operate within the altitude range between 30 and 150 m, providing the visual transmission in real time for the operator. The drone may also act as a flying laser target designator. RQ-11B is being controlled by a two-man crew.
The new deal comes a year after the The Israeli foreign ministry has blocked the sale of UAV to Ukraine.
This to avoid any negative effect on the Russian -Israeli relations.
Since the armed conflict between Russia and the Ukraine has started and intensified, Ukraine has expressed its urgent need for some types of Israeli made UAV.
Negotiations began with some Israeli manufacturers and at least one has reached a very advanced stage.
These negotiations were made with the approval of the marketing process given by the ministry of defense . When the time came to issue the export license, the foreign ministry asked to freeze the process.
