Israel Aerospace sells $1.1 bln arms to Asian nation

[JGXL836]

Turkmenistan is the only other country that has access to a proper sea.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia

It is very very unlikely that Israel allowed IAI to have such a deal with Turkmenistan.

[Ren789]

Central Asian country with some sort of naval missiles? Hmm... Kazakhstan?

They have money, they have good relationship with Israel, they never had deals with IAI before, but do they need naval missiles?

Kazakhstan have had a fussy relationship with Israel lately, after an israeli defense dealer, representative of Elbit or Soltam, was put in jailed over some corruption allegations. The affair did strain somewhat the momentaneous defense ties between both countries although it's possible they manage to work out their differences and business as usual did prevail. The other Central Asian nations which would fit the report are Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The latter is a kind of dark horse but Israel is known to have ramp up its ties with this nation, so anything is possible.

As for the purchase of naval missile, I believe the need of protecting their offshore hydrocarbon deposits and their EEZ in the Caspian Sea is the main factor behind it.

[JGXL836]

Kazakhstan have had a fussy relationship lately with Israel after an israeli defense dealer, representative of Elbit or Soltam, was put in jailed over corruption allegation.

Representative of Soltam found himself in jail, but it was probably his own fault. Israel didn't outrage about it.

Soltam was recently consumed by Elbit, but this is IAI deal anyway.

[Ren789]

It is very very unlikely that Israel allowed IAI to have such a deal with Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan should have a wide stockpile of soviet-era platforms to modernize or to replace. Israel needs new opportunities after the loss of Turkey. The strategic location of Turkmenistan bordering Iran is a particularly interesting aspect. Israel defense export is a significant contributive part of Israel's diplomacy. In some countries, it's even the driving factor.

[JGXL836]

Turkmenistan should have a wide stockpile of soviet-era platforms to modernize or to replace. Israel needs new opportunities after the loss of Turkey. The strategic location of Turkmenistan bordering Iran is a particularly interesting aspect. Israel defense export is a significant contributive part of Israel's diplomacy. In some countries, it's even the driving factor.

To my understanding, Turkmenistan has too good relationship with Iran.

Turkmenistan replaces its soviet-era platforms with Russian, Ukrainian, and Belorussian hardware.
http://andrei-bt.livejournal.com/104722.html

[twinblade]

Green pine radar for BMD and sea to sea missiles (possibly Gabriel) means the country must be under a constant thread of ballistic missiles, should possibly be on good relations with US (considering the amount of US tech in green pine), must have a decent C3I infrastructure suitable for green pine, and must be expecting a naval battle.

My revised list of possible nations (ignoring the first time customer clause which won't fit anyone)
1.India
Green Pine : Already purchased two, has been working on domestic Swordfish radar rumoured to be uprated version of Green Pine, but no one has seen anything about it being close to testing, while BMD is supposed to go online by 2015. The last green pine deal was met with US opposition but the deal was rushed before the US could put a stopper in it. Is the first-time customer clause a red herring ?
Gabriel : India already uses Gabriel, repeat order likely.
UAV's : More Herons till Rustom comes online ?
2.South Korea :
Green Pine : Has considered purchase of Green Pine for a while, could be integrated in domestic BMD.
Gabriel : First order (?)
UAV's : Something beyond Harpy drones and Searchers ?
3. Taiwan
Green Pine : Been working on a BMD for a while. Might find it handy.
Gabriel: Repeat orders.
UAV's: ?

[Ambassador]

We already have purchased Super Green Pine. Future deals will hinge a lot on Israel's decision to purchase T-50.

[JGXL836]

We already have purchased Super Green Pine.

Any news regarding the delivery?

[JGXL836]

India reportedly has three (not two) Green Pine radars.

[Ambassador]

Two Super Green Pines will have been delivered to Korea by 2012.

http://theasiandefence.blogspot.com/...hosen-for.html

Here is a relatively recent article on the state of tension in the Caspian Sea. The woes of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are outlined.

Kazakhstan, meanwhile, is also trying to boost its maritime defenses on the Caspian. It has built a new air base in the western port city of Aqtau, which is also the headquarters of its nascent navy. Reports indicate that Kazakhstan is looking to buy patrol boats from South Korea and is building up its manpower by sending cadets to study in other countries, such as Turkey.

Turkmenistan, which so far has a minimal naval presence in the sea, is also using its good relations with Turkey to beef up its forces. A Turkish shipyard is building two fast patrol boats for the country. In 2010, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov announced the establishment of the country's first naval academy.

http://www.rferl.org/content/caspian.../24278751.html

I think it's possible that Israel is not announcing sales to either of these countries to avoid upsetting other powers in the sea like Russia.

[JGXL836]

If the customer is Taiwan, it's possible that Israel tries to avoid upsetting China.

[Shadowstorm]

If the customer is Taiwan, it's possible that Israel tries to avoid upsetting China.

Israel has been knowing to do some "under the table" deals with Taiwan for a while to avoid upsetting China. The most recent deal was a sale and transfer of satellites to the Taiwanese military a few years ago.

[squidO]

Green pine radar for BMD and sea to sea missiles (possibly Gabriel) means the country must be under a constant thread of ballistic missiles, should possibly be on good relations with US (considering the amount of US tech in green pine), must have a decent C3I infrastructure suitable for green pine, and must be expecting a naval battle.

And what exactly is US tech in the Green pine? Considering the word "amount" I assume you know what you are talking about?

1.India...
2.South Korea...
3. Taiwan...

Not the first deal. Next guess?

[AttilaA]

And why not Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan by far spends more than either Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan on procurement. The deals Israel have had with Azerbaijan are also much bigger amount wise compared to Kazakhstan.

About the definition, it also fits as they would not use a term such as "Caucasian country" if it was Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan borders Caspian Sea after all. And quite often I have seen the "Central Asian" definition used.

[AttilaA]

I think it's possible that Israel is not announcing sales to either of these countries to avoid upsetting other powers in the sea like Russia.

It would not be Russia but Iran. Russia has no territorial disputes with any of the Caspian countries.

Azerbaijan has big issues with Iran on where the border goes and which oil fields should be explored.

Red line are what Iran says should be the border, black line are what Azerbaijan says.