According to Defense Industry Europe on November 10, 2023, Azerbaijan finalized a defense agreement valued at $1.2 billion with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). If confirmed, this deal would represent the largest-ever sale of Barak MX air defense systems. This agreement follows a recent demonstration conducted by IAI in Azerbaijan where various versions of the Barak MX air defense systems were showcased.
IAI’s role in the global air defense market is reflected in its diverse offerings, ranging from the Arrow 3 long-range air defense system and Arrow 2 short/medium-range anti-ballistic missile system to the Barak family of air defense systems and the Eagle Eye III very short air-defense system. This latest deal, ranking as the third-largest for an Israeli air defense system, follows other significant transactions, including the sale of the Arrow 3 system to Germany for $3.5 billion and the Barak 8 system to India for $1.8 billion.
The Barak MX air and missile defense system, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), serves as an integrated defense system designed to offer protection against a variety of aerial threats. Known for its adaptability, the system is suitable for applications in both land and naval defense.
The system comprises various components, including the Barak Interceptors, such as the MR (Medium Range) with a 35 km range, LR (Long Range) with a 70 km range, and ER (Extended Range) reaching 150 km, specifically designed for theater ballistic missile (TBM) defense. Equipped with active RF seeker technology, it engages low radar cross-section and highly maneuverable targets effectively.