The Yom Kippur War has sparked the interest of foreign governments in Israel-made weapons, notably the “Gabriel” surface-to-surface missile, the main weapon of Israel’s navy, and the Arava short-take-off-and-landing (STOL) aircraft, a civilian transport adaptable to military duties. A number of foreign navies have placed orders worth $50 million for the “Gabriel,” according to its manufacturer. Israel Aircraft Industries. The orders followed the successful performance of Israeli missile boats armed with the “Gabriel” which sank 13 enemy missile boats of the Russian-built Komar and Ossa types during the recent war. The senior commanders of other navies have asked for more information on the missiles. Israel Aircraft Industries also reported inquiries about the Arava which proved their capabilities during the war, landing and taking off from short improvised airstrips near the battle lines. Marc Moscovitz, president, Israel Manufacturers Association, said Israel’s defense establishment has ordered products worth IL 2 million.
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