Israeli company awarded Turkish defense contract

Ahead of the planned May 1-2, visit by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Turkey announced Tuesday that it has chosen an Israeli manufacturer to supply its army with 10 drones and ground stations. The contract is part of a $183 million project in which Turkish companies will provide sub-systems and services that amount to 30% of the project.The Turkish undersecretariat for defense industries said, "The joint venture between Israeli firms, Israeli Aircraft Industries and Elbit, was awarded a contract for three unmanned aerial vehicle systems that include 10 aircraft, surveillance equipment and ground control stations"Israel has come under hard criticism in recent months by the Turkish Prime Minister for their mistreatment of Palestinians. However, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul who visited Israel in January over the fence-mending issue stated that bilateral ties remain strong.Â