2006 is set to be a record year for Israeli
defense exports. Early estimates, point to an
order backlog of $4.1 billion at the end of
November. $500 million should be added to this
figure on the basis of expected new contracts.
These include the sale of 2,600 Spike-ER extended
range multi-purpose missiles, made by Rafael
Armament Development Authority Ltd., to the
Spanish Army for $428 million
The previous orders backlog record was set in 2002: $4.02 billion.
"Defense News" reports that the orders backlog of
Israeli defense contractor's account for 10% of
total global arms sales in 2006. Israel is the
world's fourth largest arms exporter in the
world, after the US, Russia, and France.
Last year, US companies signed contracts for the
sale of arms worth $12.75 billion, Russian
companies signed contracts worth $7.9 billion,
and French company signed contracts worth $7.4
billion.
"Defense News" says Israel Aircraft Industries
Ltd. (IAI) will have signed contracts worth $2.7
billion at the end of 2006; Rafael will have
contracts worth $1.1 billion, up from $830
million at the end of 2005, and is in advanced
negotiations for a $400 million deal.