The United States has urged India to buy the PAC-3
missile defense system rather than the Israeli-U.S. Arrow-2.
U.S. officials and congressional sources said the offer was relayed to
New Dehli amid a discussion of India's air and missile defense needs. India
has sought to lift export restrictions on a range of systems that includes
U.S. components.
India has asked the United States to allow for the export of the Arrow-2
medium-tier missile defense system, officials said. They said Israel has
briefed New Dehli on the system and provided data on its tests and
interoperability with a range of other air and missile defense assets.
New Dehli has already procured the Green Pine early-warning radar, which
is part of the Arrow-2 battery and developed by Israel, Middle East Newsline reported. The Arrow-2
interceptor is a U.S.-Israeli project and requires Washington's approval for
export.
Officials said the State Department and Defense Department have urged
India to purchase the PAC-3 low-tier system, meant to intercept short-range
ballistic missiles. They said the Bush administration has pledged to lift
restrictions on export of the PAC-3, manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed
Martin.
In July, Indian and U.S. officials discussed procurement of a missile
defense system as well as other assets. Officials expect New Dehli to press
for a U.S. decision to allow the export of the Arrow-2.
Last month, the State Department removed objections for the sale of
Israel's Phalcon airborne early-warning system to India. The department had
opposed the Israeli sale because of concerns that the Phalcon would increase
tension with neighboring Pakistan.
In Tel Aviv, Israeli Aircraft Industries is preparing to sign a $100
million deal to supply India with Barak naval missiles. The amount of
missiles to be supplied was not specified. The Barak has an operative range
of between 0.5 km. to 10 km and features an early-warning radar system.
In New Dehli, Indian defense sources reported that a recent test-launch
of the Barak was unsuccessful. The missile failed to stay on course but a
second missile launched during the same test was successful and the Barak
hit its target.