Israel Military Industries (IMI) has signed a $40 million contract to provide long-range artillery rockets to a European country. The LAR-160 rockets are designated for a customer in a European country that formerly used Russian-manufactured rockets. The identity of the country has been classified as secret.
IMI has upgraded launching systems for artillery rockets in recent years. Following success in these efforts, the armed forces of the European country decided to buy IMI’s artillery rockets. The rockets were developed and manufactured in IMI’s Givon plant.
The 160-millimeter rockets, which have an effective range of 45 kilometers, are installed on upgraded Russian launchers. Two warheads, each containing thirteen rockets, can be put on each launcher. According to the agreement, IMI will also supply the customer with artillery shells made in its munitions factory.
Last week, IMI chairman Brig.-Gen. (Ret.) Arie Mizrachi concluded a deal to upgrade rockets for India’s ground forces. Mizrachi told “Globes” that the initial deal with India was worth $30-40 million, but could expand to as much as $1 billion over five years.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on December 16, 2004