Procurement: July 11, 2002

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During the last two years, Israel has fired over 1,200 TOW missiles fired at Palestinian targets and depleted their war reserve stocks, which spurred the IDF to recently place an urgent order for 2,030 TOW anti-armor missiles. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on 1 July of the possible $80 million sale, with Raytheon Missile Systems as the prime contractor. One sticking point is that Israel must spend at least 75 percent of its $1.93 billion annual military aid from the US on American products. Some Israeli defense industry figures complain that they have been overlooked, even if their products are superior. One item specifically mentioned was Rafael's NTD anti-tank rocket, over the Raytheon TOW. - Adam Geibel