Israeli arms firm investigated over live drone test on Armenian soldiers

The Israeli defence ministry and police are investigating an Israeli weapons manufacturer after allegations they live-tested a drone on an Armenian army position, while trying to sell the vehicle to Azerbaijan.

The investigation has been going on for several weeks, Haaretz reported on Tuesday, and a gag order into the specifics of the investigation remains in place.

“An investigation is ongoing against Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd in regards to a deal with a significant customer,” Israeli police said in a statement on Tuesday.

Whilst it is not expressly stated that this refers to Azerbaijan, that is widely understood to be the case.

A spokesperson for Aeronautics Defense Systems told MEE the company would “fully cooperate with the police and we hope the investigation is concluded as soon as possible.”

In August, the defence ministry withdrew some of the company’s export licences, preventing the company from selling its Oribiter 1k drone to Azerbaijan, one of its biggest clients, after a complaint was made.

 

Read the whole story from Middle East Eye.

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