An Israeli Official: Many Countries Interested in Purchasing the 'Pikkan' System

The successful performance of Israel's 'Pikkan' air defense system against the Islamic Republic's missile and drone attack last month has attracted interest from many countries in purchasing this system. The nighttime attack on April 14 by the Islamic Republic, which involved the firing of at least 100 ballistic missiles and over 200 cruise missiles and drones, was repelled by Israel's multi-layered defense shield with the help of its allies, especially the United States. According to the Israeli Air Force, the Pikkan system played a 'main role' in intercepting the Islamic Republic's missiles and drones. Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, the main contractor for the project, told Reuters that the success of 'Pikkan' against the Islamic Republic's attack has sparked global interest in it. The United States is a partner in the 'Pikkan' project, and Boeing is involved in its production. Levy expressed optimism about the increasing demand for the 'Pikkan' system but refrained from naming the interested countries due to the preliminary nature of ongoing discussions. The 'Pikkan' air defense system is the highest layer of Israel's missile defense. The Iron Dome system is responsible for intercepting and destroying short-range projectiles such as mortars and rockets, while the David's Sling system is tasked with intercepting and destroying medium-range projectiles. 'Pikkan2' has been in development for years and intercepts ballistic missiles, while 'Pikkan3' is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles outside the Earth's atmosphere. Last year, after U.S. approval, Israel sold the 'Pikkan3' system to Germany for a $3.5 billion contract. Germany made its largest defense purchase amid increasing military budgets following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Levy noted that finalizing the contract with Germany took nearly two years and that a similar timeframe might be needed for signing new contracts. He emphasized that the entire process is conducted by governments and requires U.S. approval. Each Iron Dome missile used to intercept rockets fired from Gaza and Lebanon costs about $50,000, but the cost of missiles used in the Pikkan system is much higher, with Levy estimating it at over $1 million without providing a precise figure. The late April attack by the Islamic Republic on Israel has prompted Israel Aerospace Industries to strengthen existing Pikkan systems and develop a new generation, 'Pikkan4', which is set to replace 'Pikkan2'. Levy, who refrained from commenting on the exact timeline for the final production of 'Pikkan4', stated that the process has accelerated significantly and is being carried out in full cooperation with Israel's defense system and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. The Biden administration is sending over $1 billion in weapons and ammunition to Israel. A conversation between Biden and Netanyahu occurred two weeks after the 'successful defense' against the unprecedented attack by the Islamic Republic on Israel. The Islamic Republic's efforts to cover up the attack attributed to Israel; the destroyed defense was immediately replaced. Macron told Netanyahu: 'We stand by Israel against the threats from the Islamic Republic.' The New York Times reported that intercepting a missile fired at the Natanz air defense was not possible for the Islamic Republic.