Israel unlikely to sell Iron Dome air defense system to Baku: expert

PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel’s sale of an Iron Dome air defense system to Azerbaijan is unlikely, military expert, political analyst Sergey Minasyan told PanARMENIAN.Net on Tuesday, October 4.

Azerbaijani media reported that Israel will soon deliver to Azerbaijan an Iron Dome system.

“I am extremely skeptical of the matter,” Minasyan said.

“I am not sure Israel’s U.S. partners will let the weapon reach Azerbaijan, it's a technological secret which may become available to Russia and Iran via Azerbaijan.”

Iron Dome is a mobile all-weather air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aircraft Industries. Funding for the systems — along with funding for a supply of interception missiles — is currently being provided by the United States.

Also, Minasyan said, the U.S. embargo on arms sale to Azerbaijan should be considered.

Azerbaijan faces unfavorable financial conditions and has been cutting the military budget, the expert reminded.

“Even if Baku bought one of those systems, it would be inefficient against Iskander ballistic missiles,” he added.

“No test checking the system’s efficiency in intercepting an Iskander missile has been carried out. Besides, Iskander missiles boast a much bigger range.”