Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
Get tough with Russia
Op-Ed: Russians seek Israeli know-how while selling weapons to our worst enemies
For years, Russian intelligence agents were openly present at any arms show where Israel participated, in order to monitor the latest developments by Israel’s defense industries. The Russians knew that Israel is the world’s most advanced nation in some areas, such as armor for tanks and various electronic systems.
While the Soviet Union still existed, Russian agents would show up at the Israeli exhibits and photograph every system from every possible angle. Israeli security officials knew who the enthused photographers were and would offer them coffee and cake.
World Power
Giora Eiland
Op-ed: Ignoring, disrespecting Russia prompts Moscow to sell arms to our enemies
Whatever is exhibited at an international convention can be photographed, and the Russians indeed took shots, picked up the brochures handed out at the site, and left with a great smile on their face (and not only because of the coffee and cake.)
Our officials also know that Israeli military systems captured by the Syrians or Lebanese during various clashes were quickly handed over to Moscow.
During the Russia-Georgia war, Russian jets intercepted several Israeli-made drones used by the Georgian forces. A few months later, the Russians first approached the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and sought to purchase several drones. In unofficial talks, they admitted that they have failed to develop their own high-quality unmanned aircraft.
A first deal was signed, with the IAI supplying several models of small drones to Russia. Yet in recent weeks, following Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s visit to Moscow, discussions on selling additional drones to the tune of $300 million were accelerated. The Russians conditioned the deal on the establishment of a joint drone factory in Russia. Both countries would invest, and the products would go to the Russian army.
Reassess drone sale
After Russia approved the sale of its Yakhont missiles to Syria, some questions emerged in Israel that should have emerged much earlier. Indeed, the enthusiasm shown by Israel’s defense industries in selling products to foreign nations already led to problematic situations in the past. This was the case with South Africa, with China, and also with Iran during the Shah’s rule.
While these states poured great amounts of money into Israel’s defense industries, someone should have thought about the changes that may take place in these countries.
The security agreement between Israel and Russian mostly pertains to the area of weapons systems. The Russians realized they can get much technical know-how from Israel that would assist their immense effort to rehabilitate their military. However, the Russians are working on various fronts: While they are trying to purchase military systems and know-how from Israel, they continue to supply arms to Israel’s worst enemies.
The Russians are selling arms to Syria, building nuclear reactors in Iran, and are looking into Tehran’s requests for advanced weapons systems. The Russians are motivated by two objectives: Filling the state coffers with dollars, and boosting their global influence.
Officials in Jerusalem must reassess the drone sale. Now of all times there is no room for a defense “honeymoon” in the ties between Israel and Russia. The expected damage is greater than the gains, and our officials must understand this. Moscow is only operating in line with its own interests; Israel should do the same.
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