Israel to sell weapons to Azerbaijan

Israel Aerospace Industries signs a $1.4 billion deal with Iran’s neighbor

Israel has agreed to sell Azerbaijan military technology, including drone airplanes, in a deal reportedly worth $1.4 billion.

The Caucasus nation, which borders Iran, will receive planes, drones and an advanced missile defense system. The country has recently found itself caught between Israel and Iran as tensions have ramped up between the two.

The country came under fire from Iran recently amid reports that Israel was trying to set up a Mossad base in its capital, Baku.

Azerbaijan is a secular Muslim country with friendly ties to the US and Israel. It is home to approximately 9,000 Jews and has a total population of approximately 9.5 million people, according to the CIA World Factbook.

Last week, Azeri authorities announced that they had arrested several suspected terrorists with links to Iran and Hezbollah. The men are accused of planning attacks against foreigners in the capital. Azeri state-owned television reported that the suspects had bought explosives, guns and ammunition.

The shipment of aerial drones will be accompanied by a large team of security and technology consultants, according to Maariv, which cited an Intelligence Online report.

In a related story, Angola will also sign a contract to purchase several billion dollars worth of equipment in the coming days. According to Maariv, that deal will include the sale of aerial drones, attack helicopters and other advanced technological equipment.

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