MSPO 2017: Azerbaijani export license a ‘matter of technicality’

Shephard Media
September 8, 2017 Friday

6th September 2017 – 12:09 GMT | by Richard Thomas in Kielce

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The Orbiter 1K loitering munition, manufactured by Israel-based Aeronautics, was on display at the MSPO exhibition and conference just days after an export license to Azerbaijan for the platform had been suspended.

Azerbaijan was reported to be keen to procure the UAS, with claims recently stating that it had been used in a targeted strike against Armenian forces during live demonstrations.

Officials at the show in Kielce told Shephard that they had no comment to make, other than to say that checks were being undertaken by the Israeli Ministry of Defence, and that it is ‘just a matter of technicality’.

As reported earlier, with its unmanned systems deployed by Polish armed forces for more than 12 years, Israel-based Aeronautics looks to be adding increased emphasis in its operations in country by showcasing the Orbiters 3, 4 and 1K. 

Polish forces have used the Orbiter 2 for several years and Aeronautics officials said that the country would have no problems in integrating newer systems should Poland look to fill a portion of its huge demand for unmanned systems with their platforms.

Of the Orbiter 1K, Dany Eshchar, deputy CEO, said that they believed it was ‘a good solution for special forces’ and was ‘combat proven’. 

Proven long-standing relationships could also assist in future procurement programmes. ‘Once a customer is satisfied, it is ours to lose if they choose not to [procure our systems].’

Eschar added that he believed that the range of systems Aeronautics can provide to customer such as Poland makes it a cost-effective solution that doesn’t need to be adapted to NATO or non-NATO operators.

Described by Aeronautics as a ‘multi-mission platform’, the Orbiter 4 has been designed to fit a range of payloads dependent on mission requirements. 

This includes maritime patrol radar, cellular interception sensor, satellite communication, synthetic aperture radar and Controp's XR EO payload.

The latest model from the Orbiter line is based on the legacy Orbiter 3 system but with upgraded capabilities such as endurance of more than 24 hours, dual mounted payloads and flight ceiling of 18,000ft.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS