Russia may buy drones from Israel

The Russian defence ministry is actively considering procuring pilotless aircraft from Israel, though a final decision is yet to be taken, according to a spokesman for the Russian military.

The Russian interest in Israeli drones appears to have been sparked by the impressive performance of the unmanned spy planes used by Georgia in the August hostilities with its breakaway republic of South Ossetia. Russian peace keepers stationed in the war zone had reported numerous reconnaissance flights by these aircraft over South Ossetia.

According to  reports, Georgia had acquired as many as 40 drones worth $ 2 million each from Israel between 2006 and 2008.

Further developments in the matter, could lead to orders for only a few drones as samples, over the next two to three years, in view of considerations of support to  domestic producers.

If the deal goes through, it will be the first Russian order for Israeli weapon. Russia seldom buys weapons and military technology from Israel, although the two had technology deals earlier.

Israel has purchased from Ilyushin planes from Russia, which will be fitted with locally manufactured intelligence equipment, for the Phalcon system to be supplied to India.