Azerbaijan to strengthen air defense capabilities with Israeli Sky Dew radar balloon.

On March 10, 2024, according to an announcement reported by the Azerbaijani media outlet Aze.Media, Azerbaijan concluded an agreement to acquire the Sky Dew aerial detection system, developed jointly by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the Defense Research and Development Directorate (DDR&D - MAFAT) under the direction of Dr. Danny Gold, and the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This system is designed to detect and track a wide range of aerial threats, including cruise missiles and drones.
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Israel Aerospace Industries Sky Dew Radar Balloon System (Picture source: Israeli Defense Forces)

The Sky Dew system is characterized by an observation balloon manufactured by the American company TCOM and equipped with radar systems developed by the ELTA division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Capable of remaining airborne for several days, the balloon can track up to 500 targets at a distance of more than 250 kilometers. This extended aerial detection capability aims to complement existing defense systems by offering an overview of air control.

The deployment of the Sky Dew system by the Israeli Air Force, especially for monitoring the Lebanese border since March 2022, demonstrates the effectiveness of this system in strengthening aerial security.

This acquisition is part of Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to enhance its defense capabilities, including previous agreements with Israel for the purchase of the Barak missile system and two satellites.

The Sky Dew serves several strategic objectives for Azerbaijan. Firstly, it provides an early detection capability for aerial threats over a long distance, which is crucial for anticipating and neutralizing attacks before they reach their target. This capability is especially important given the increasing use of drones in modern conflicts, including armed drones or those used for surveillance.

Secondly, by integrating Sky Dew into its air defense system, Azerbaijan can complement its other defense capabilities with extended radar coverage and improve its operational surveillance tableau. This allows for better coordination of responses to aerial threats, enhancing the effectiveness of its air defense missile systems and other countermeasures.