Elbit Systems to Sell $235 Million in Rockets to Azerbaijan
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Elbit Systems has won a $235 million contract to supply EXTRA-MR rockets and PULS rocket artillery systems to Azerbaijan over three years. The deal, facilitated by a government-to-government agreement, includes launchers and logistical support. This contract highlights a growing trend of Israeli defense companies expanding their presence and production capabilities in Azerbaijan, with other firms like Ari Armas also establishing manufacturing facilities there. Azerbaijan has previously acquired and operationally used various advanced Israeli defense systems.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Elbit Systems secured a $235 million contract to supply rockets and artillery systems to Azerbaijan.
- The three-year deal includes EXTRA-MR rockets and PULS rocket artillery systems.
- The contract is a government-to-government agreement between Israel and Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijan is increasingly becoming a hub for Israeli defense industry cooperation and local production.
- Other Israeli companies like Ari Armas have also recently expanded their operations in Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijan has previously used Israeli-made drones, air defense systems, and missiles operationally.
Elbit Systems announced Monday it has secured a $235 million contract to supply EXTRA-MR (medium-range) rockets and PULS rocket artillery systems to a European customer. The deal, which will be executed over three years, is structured as a government-to-government agreement between Israel's Ministry of Defense and the customer nation's Ministry of Defense. Sources familiar with the matter revealed to Globes that the client is Azerbaijan.
Under the contract with the Aliyev administration, Elbit will provide Baku with the medium-range version of its supersonic EXTRA rocket system, along with PULS launchers, additional rocket artillery platforms, and integrated logistical support. The EXTRA MR is a precision-guided rocket designed for medium-range operational scenarios, capable of hitting targets up to 80 kilometers away. It is fully compatible with Elbit's PULS system and existing C4I architectures, offering a flexible and cost-effective solution for various mission profiles.
This deal reflects a recent resurgence in defense industry relations between Israel and Azerbaijan. Last week, Globes reported that Israeli company Ari Armas inaugurated its rifle factory in Azerbaijan, attended by President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva. This facility, an expanded government-owned plant, will be the first in the country to produce Western-model M4 rifles, moving beyond its previous production of Kalashnikovs. The venture is a joint effort involving Ari Armas, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense Industries, and the Azerbaijani company Iqlim Scientific Production Enterprise.
The trend in the international defense market, particularly in weaponry, is toward developing local production and minimizing external dependency. Following agreements with Azerbaijan, the Philippines, and Albania, Elbit Systems is reportedly close to finalizing further deals that may include local manufacturing. At the ADEX defense exhibition, Minister Mustafayev presented the first M4 prototype produced at the factory to President Aliyev and Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov.
Other Israeli companies with a significant presence at ADEX included Aeronautics, Plasan, UVision, Bagira, and Bird. Ondas, led by former Mossad chief Dedi Barnea, also participated. Azerbaijan has previously acquired Israeli defense systems, including Elbit's Hermes 900 drones, Israel Aerospace Industries' Barak MX air defense systems, and Rafael's Spike tactical missiles, and has reportedly used them operationally against Armenia in recent years.
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