Israeli air defense systems "Arrow" (Arrow) helped thwart Iran's massive missile and drone attack last month, and as a result, a number of countries are showing interest in purchasing the technology. This was stated by the CEO of the developer company, reports "Reuters".
Iran's nighttime attack between April 13 and 14, repulsed by Israel's multi-layered defensive shield with the help of allies, included over 100 ballistic missiles.
The Israeli Air Force indicated that the "Strela" has "played the main role" in their interception.
This success immediately sparked worldwide interest, said Boaz Levy, CEO of the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries - the project's main contractor.
The US is a partner in the project and Boeing is involved in its production.
"A number of countries have approached us with a request for information,", Levy reported. "I am very optimistic that there will be more deals for the Strela system, especially after the very special demonstration we did.
He declined to name the interested parties, as negotiations are at an early stage.
Arrow is the upper layer of Israel's anti-missile defense, along with the Iron Dome, which counters short-range threats such as mortars and rockets, and the David Slingshot. for medium range ones.
Arrow-2 has been around for years and intercepts ballistic missiles at long range. The newer Arrow-3 model specializes in destroying missiles while they are still outside the Earth's atmosphere.
Last year, Israel, with US approval, agreed to sell the Arrow-3 system to Germany in a $3.5 billion deal - its biggest defense sale. The deal comes as Germany and its European neighbors increase defense spending because of Russia's war in Ukraine.
It took almost two years to sign the deal with Germany, and that will likely be the time frame of new deals in the pipeline, Levy said. He added that the process is being managed between governments and will again need US approval.
Each Iron Dome interceptor, often used to shoot down rockets from Gaza and Lebanon, is estimated to cost about $50,000. Arrow missiles are on a different level.
"The price of the Arrow interceptor is equal to similar interceptors in the world, even lower. The amount exceeds a million dollars," Levy pointed out, without giving further details.
Iran's attack prompted Israel Aerospace Industries to ramp up both production of the current Arrow systems and development of the next-generation Arrow-4, which will replace the Arrow-2.