This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.
1985
Egypt and Argentina begin cooperative efforts to produce the Condor II missile, which reportedly will have a range of 1,000km and a 700kg payload capacity.
—"Argentina: Will Condor II fly?" Latin American Markets, 21 April 1989; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
1985
Honeywell's British subsidiary Honeywell Control Systems completes a study for the Egyptian defense ministry on the subject of developing fuel-air explosives (FAEs) for ballistic missiles. The contract for the study was made by Honeywell and the Institute for Advanced Technology (IFAT) of Switzerland.
—"Honeywell implicated in FAE work," Flight International, 12 December 1990; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
1985
Technicians from the West German company Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) establish the firm named the Consen Group in Switzerland to carry out work on the Condor II missile.
—John Eisenhammer, "Crisis in the Gulf War: The merchants of death will be brought to book; Reports of Germany's prominent role in building Iraq's chemical arsenal have prompted Bonn to pass tougher laws," The Independent, 31 January 1991; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
1985-1988
MBB works with Egypt on production of a 120km missile. MBB ships "laboratory equipment" to Egypt.
—Ilona Henry, "Austrians helping build Iraqi missile," Jerusalem Post, 24 April 1989; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
1985-1988
During this period, Argentina ships 12 solid-fueled rocket motors to Egypt.
—Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), p. 119.
9 April 1985
President Alfonsín signs Secret Decree 604 to conclude the deal with Egypt, which officially authorizes the contracts that were signed on 14 December 1984. Juan Sourrouille, Minister of Economy, Dante Caputo, Minister of External Relations, and Raúl Borrás, Minister of Defense, also sign the decree. By signing this agreement, Argentina agrees to deliver 44 motors plus four "test motors" to Egypt. The decree approves both the Condor I and Condor II as part of the Air Force's "Satellite Plan."
—Anabella Busso, Relaciones Argentina-Estados Unidos en los noventa: el caso Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Edición CERIR, 1999), p. 33; Mario Baizan, "Iraq's Involvement in Condor II Project Viewed," Somos, 28 January 1991, 1-4, cited in FBIS JPRS-TND-91-003, 25 February 1991, 13-15; Daniel Santoro, Operación Cóndor II: la historia secreta del misil que desmanteló Menem (Buenos Aires: Ediciones Letra Buena, 1992), p. 24; Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), p. 28; Martin Granovsky, Misión cumplida: La presión norteamericana sobre la Argentina, de Braden a Todman (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), p. 194.
27 April 1986
A Congressional Research Service report lists Egypt as one of 12 third world countries capable of building ballistic missiles. The report says that Egypt would most likely proceed with ballistic missile production by modifying Soviet-made missiles.
—Tim Ahern, "Report says Third World missiles are growing problem," Associated Press; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
Mid-1986
Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm's (MBB) subsidiary MBB-Transtechnica ceases deliveries for the Condor II project. MBB and the Consen Group get involved in a project to develop a missile with a 120-mile range for Egypt.
—"Profil Views Involvement In Iraq Arms Plant," Profil (Vienna), 24 April 1989, pp. 38-42; cited in Nuclear Developments, 5 May 1989, pp. 34-36.
July 1986
Defense & Foreign Affairs reports that Egypt has donated 250 Swingfire anti-tank missiles to Sudan. The missiles are a product of Arab-British Dynamics, a joint venture of the Arab Organization for Industrialization and British Aerospace Dynamics.
—"Arms to Sudan Training for Iraq," Defense & Foreign Affairs, July 1986; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
October 1986
The first stage of the Condor II, with a range of 500km, is tested.
—"Condor II Rocket Headline Again; Mid East Link Highlighted; Confusion on Actual Size," Latin American Newsletters, Ltd., Latin American Weekly Report, 6 October 1988.
1987
North Korea provides assistance to establish a Scud-B production plant in Egypt.
—Lee Chae Hak, "Kkorimunŭn Pukhan Scud Such'ul/Shimsangch'anh'ŭn Taechungdong P'anmaesŏl," Joongang Ilbo, 13 July 1991; in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
1987
The first stage of the Condor II, with a range of 500km, is revealed at the Buenos Aires aerospace exposition.
—"Condor II Rocket Headline Again; Mid East Link Highlighted; Confusion on Actual Size," Latin American Newsletters, Ltd., Latin American Weekly Report, 6 October 1988.
1987
Argentina transfers the Condor II technology to Egypt, as per a secret agreement between the two countries.
—Harvey Morris, Adel Darwish, Tim Kelsey, "Huge explosion at secret Iraqi missile plant: Egyptian technicians among about 700 killed in disaster near Baghdad," The Independent, 6 September 1989; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
1987
Egypt attempts to buy 200 MSD 80 missile guidance systems from French electronics maker Sagem. They are to be transferred to Iraq for the Condor II missile. France denies Egypt's request and offers the less precise MSL 800 system instead, which Egypt declines.
—"French SDGN acknowledges Sagem sales", Middle East Defense News, 18 February 1991; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
2 February 1987
Gamal Al Sayyed, Egypt's minister of state for military production, says Egypt is capable of manufacturing "field" surface-to-surface missiles using the "reversion" technique.
—"Egypt manufactures field surface-to-surface missiles," Xinhua News Agency, 3 February 1987; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
August 1987
Israeli agents photograph shipments of the Condor II missile from Egypt to Iraq. This information is given to Western intelligence services.
—Harvey Morris, Adel Darwish, Tim Kelsey, "Huge explosion at secret Iraqi missile plant: Egyptian technicians among about 700 killed in disaster near Baghdad," The Independent, 6 September 1989; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
Late 1987
The United States increases political pressure on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to stem Egypt's missile development. Mindful of this, the Argentine air force renegotiates its deal with Egypt.
—Daniel Santoro, Operación Cóndor II: la historia secreta del misil que desmanteló Menem (Buenos Aires: Ediciones Letra Buena, 1992), p. 41.
21 December 1987
Financial Times reports that Egypt and Argentina are collaborating on the Condor II solid-fueled rocket with a 800km range capability. According to the report, the two countries have collaborated for approximately five years, and it is believed Iraq has financed the project. Israel allegedly notified the British government of the collaboration earlier this year. The Argentine defense ministry has acknowledged the collaboration but specified it to be for the development of a rocket for launching satellites. Egypt reportedly wants the missile in response to Israel's deployment of 750km-range Jericho II missiles. It is also noted that some experts believe Egypt has tested the missile at least once.
—Tony Walker, Andrew Gowers, and David Buchan, "Egypt and Argentina in long-range missile plan," Financial Times, 21 December 1987; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
21 December 1987
Financial Times reports that Egypt may be building improved Scud-B missiles with the help of North Korea.
—Tony Walker, Andrew Gowers, David Buchan, "Egypt and Argentina in long-range missile plan," Financial Times, 21 December 1987; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
23 December 1987
The New York Times reports that a military pact between Egypt and Kuwait includes the sale of Egyptian-made surface-to-air missiles.
—Youssef M. Ibrahim, "Egypt, challenging the Iranians, is expanding military role in Gulf," The New York Times, 24 December 1987; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
1988
Egypt threatens to cut funding after the Consen Group falls behind in project development.
—Anabella Busso, Relaciones Argentina-Estados Unidos en los noventa: el caso Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Edición CERIR, 1999), p. 40.
1988
Egypt and the Consen Group discontinue ties related to the Condor II project. Egypt no longer is able to provide funding for the project, and Consen discontinues providing technical information.
—Eduardo Barcelona and Julio Villalonga, Relaciones carnales: la verdadera historia de la construcción y destrucción del misil Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Planeta, 1992), p. 51.
1988
Egypt drops out of the Condor II project, which Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak confirms in 1989. [Note: See 20 September and 5 October 1989 entries.]
—"Mubarak poses mystery over status of Argentina's Condor II missile," Latin American Weekly Report, 5 October 1989; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
1988
Egypt requests North Korea's assistance to enhance its aging arsenal of Scud missiles, according to military analyst Aharon Levran.
—Nicolas B. Tatro, "North Korean missile help sought by Syria, Egypt," Associated Press, 29 December 1989; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
1988
According to the 1988 annual report of the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, Egypt has Soviet Frog-7 solid-fueled missiles with a range of 40 miles, a payload of 1,000 pounds, and a circular error probable (CEP) of 440 yards. Egypt also possesses standard Scud-B missiles and is developing enhanced Scud-B missiles, possibly aided by North Korea, with a payload of 2,200 pounds and storable liquid fuel. Egypt is developing the two-stage solid-fueled Sakr 80 missile, possibly in collaboration with North Korea and Iraq, with a range of 50 miles and a payload of 450 pounds. Egypt is developing the Vector solid-fueled missile with Argentina, with a range of 500 to 600 miles and an unknown CEP. [Note: The reported attributes for the Vector missile match those listed for the Iraqi Condor II missile, which the report says is being developed jointly with Egypt and Argentina.]
—"World weapons sales top $1 trillion, paced by South Asia market," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 28 August 1989; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
5 January 1988
The Financial Times reports that, according to interviews with Egyptian officials, foreign defense attachés and foreign companies seeking to do business with Egypt, Egypt's six main defense-industrial goals include building an intermediate-range battlefield missile.
—Tony Walker, "Gulf War Puts Egyptian Arms Industry on Alert," Financial Times, 5 January 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
April 1988
The US administration lifts sanctions on Fiat subsidiary SNIA-BPD (National Industrial Applications Company-Defense Division) that were established in response to the company's collaboration on the Condor II project. The administration now views the company as a potential partner in space defense.
—Robert Gillette, "3rd world missiles linked to German, Italian firms," Los Angeles Times, 8 February 1989; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
4 April 1988
US News & World Report reports that Egypt has 15 Scud-B missiles.
—"Surrounded by Enemies: The battlefield equation," US News & World Report, 4 April 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
11 April 1988
Newsweek reports that Egypt is producing the Sakr 80 missile, which has a range of 50 miles and a payload of 450 pounds. It is an improved version of the Soviet Frog-7 missile.
—Russel Watson, John Barry, Robert B. Cullen, Theodore Stanger, "Another Arms Race," Newsweek, 11 April 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
May 1988
A car bombing in France disrupts Egyptian attempts to procure advanced missile technology from the United States. Egyptian agents believe Israel is responsible for the car-bombing, according to US sources. [Note: See 24 June 1988.]
—Patrick E. Tyler, "High link seen in Cairo spy case; references heard to defense minister," Washington Post, 20 August 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
17 May 1988
The St. Petersburg Times reports that Egypt is cooperating with Iraq to extend the range of the Scud-B from 200 miles to 310 miles so it will be able to hit Tehran from Iraq. Iraq has hired retired Egyptian military officers and missile experts, according to the report. "It is working out fine for both sides," says an unnamed source in the report. "Iraq is getting what it needs, and Egyptian missile experts are getting hands-on experience."
—Peyman Pejman, "Egyptian expertise boosts Iraqi war effort," St. Petersburg Times, 17 May 1998; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
24 June 1988
Of the five people who are accused of attempting to smuggle high-technology materials to Egypt that could be used to manufacture an advanced missile system, four are arrested. The arrests take place as a box is about to be loaded onto an Egyptian C-130 military transport airplane at a US airport. The box contains 430 pounds of carbon fiber, which is a heat-resistant, lightweight material derived from petroleum, and used in manufacturing rocket nozzles and missile nose cones. According to the US Justice Department, Abdelkader Helmy, an Egyptian-born rocket propulsion specialist with US citizenship, directed the US side of the operation, and was aided by his wife and an Egyptian colonel, Hussam Yossef, who directed the operation from Salzburg, Austria. Helmy reportedly arranged for James Huffman, a US citizen from Lexington, Ohio, to purchase the supplies. He then sent them to Baltimore, while Mohamed A. Mohamed, an Egyptian air force lieutenant colonel, arranged for the shipments to go to Egypt. US officials arrest Helmy, his wife, Huffman, and Yossef; Mohamed could not be detained or charged due to his diplomatic immunity. The United States charges that Egypt planned to use the smuggled material for its surface-to-surface missile projects known as Condor II and Condor III. [Note: See 5 September 1988 and 19 January 1990.]
—Ruth Marcus and David B. Ottaway, "Egyptian Officer Tied to Smuggling Effort; 5 Accused of Plot to Export Missile Material," Washington Post, 25 June 1988, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; "Israel push for an anti-missile missile," MidEast Markets, 11 July 1988.
25 June 1988
An Egyptian military spokesman refuses to comment on the arrest of two Egyptian colonels in the United States for attempting to smuggle missile technology.
—"Military Refuses Comment on U.S. Smuggling Charges," Associated Press, 25 June 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
28 June 1988
The Associated Press reports that Egyptian Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed A. Mohamed, who was allegedly involved in the attempt to smuggle missile technology from the United States to Egypt, has returned to Egypt. He was not detained or charged in the United States because of his diplomatic immunity. A US State Department spokesman says the United States wants Mohamed to cooperate with the smuggling investigation but has not yet received an answer from Egypt.
—"Egyptian Colonel charged in smuggling case sent home," Associated Press, 28 June 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
28 June 1988
A military analyst quoted in The Times of London says he believes Egypt was attempting to smuggle missile technology from the United States to upgrade or build a missile that would have a range of 700 miles.
—Nicholas Beeston, "Cairo race for Islamic missile; Third World arms race," The Times (London), 28 June 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
29 June 1988
A federal grand jury indicts Abdelkader Helmy, James Huffman, and Egyptian Colonel Hussam Yossef on charges related to attempting to export missile technology to Egypt. They are charged with conspiring to illegally export munitions, obstructing and making false statements to customs agents, and exporting 430 pounds of carbon fiber, which can help improve the range and payload of missiles and make them less visible to radar. Egyptian Assistant Military Attaché Abd al-Rahin Elgohary and Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed A. Mohamed are named as un-indicted co-conspirators in the case, but they have already left the United States under diplomatic immunity accord. [Note: See 24 June 1998.]
—Ken Hoover, "Three men indicted in missile export scheme," United Press International, 29 June 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
July 1988
La Nación quotes the Israeli newspaper Davar as reporting that Argentina intends to produce 1,000km-range Condor missiles in Egypt. The project will receive funds from Iraq and technology from Europe, particularly West Germany.
—Anabella Busso, Relaciones Argentina-Estados Unidos en los noventa: el caso Cóndor II (Buenos Aires: Edición CERIR, 1999), p. 41; "La Argentina produciría un misil de alcance medio con Egito," La Nación (Buenos Aires), 4 July 1988, p. 5.
July 1988
US News & World Report reports that Argentina is a primary supplier of ballistic missiles to Iraq and Egypt. A US intelligence source states that the ultimate objective of the Condor project is to provide Egypt and Iraq each with 200 Condor II missiles and to enable the two countries to produce such missiles indigenously. The two-stage Condor II is to incorporate an advanced, French-built, inertial guidance system.
—Mel Elfin, "Behind the Condor Carbon-Carbon Smuggling Scam," U.S. News & World Report, 25 July 1988, p. 38.
4 July 1988
Aviation Week & Space Technology quotes a customs agent regarding the case of Egyptian agents allegedly smuggling missile technology out of the United States. The agent said defendant Abdelkader Helmy ordered two cone-shaped devices from a subsidiary of the Greenleaf Corporation. The agent said he was told by Greenleaf Corporation officials that Helmy specified that the cones should withstand "thermal shock of up to 1,400 degrees Celsius for one minute," and that the only reason for such a specification would be for cones to withstand the "heat of reentry into the atmosphere." [Note: See 24 June 1988.]
—Richard G. O'Lone, "Four charged in bid to ship missile material to Egypt," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 4 July 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
11 July 1988
MidEast Markets reports that, based on evidence from wiretaps and seized documents, the US government believes Egypt was trying to smuggle carbon-carbon to increase the range and accuracy of its Scud-B missiles.
—"Israel's push for an anti-missile missile," MidEast Markets, 11 July 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
13 July 1988
The Washington Post reports that Egypt has refused to waive diplomatic immunity for two military officers, Assistant Military Attaché Abd al-Rahin Elgohary and Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed A. Mohamed, who were implicated in the attempt to smuggle restricted missile technology out of the United States. [Note: See 24 June 1988.]
—"Egypt refuses to relinquish pair in smuggling scheme," The Washington Post, 13 July 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
19 July 1988
The Christian Science Monitor reports that analysts believe Egypt attempted to smuggle carbon-carbon from the United States in order to extend the range of the Condor II missile.
—Jane Friedman, "In Egypt, US charges meet official silence and public ire," Christian Science Monitor, 19 July 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
20 July 1988
An Argentine Ministry of Defense spokesperson, responding to a recent U.S. News & World Report article, denies that Argentina is supplying Iraq with any "aerospace technology...for fabrication of missiles." The spokesperson admits that Argentina and Egypt have had an agreement for two years to cooperate on satellite launch vehicles for meteorological and communication satellites, but denies any agreements with Iraq.
—"Defensa desmintió la venta de misiles a Irak y Egipto," La Nación (Buenos Aires), 20 July 1988, p. 19.
25 July 1988
US News & World Report publishes a report on the development of the Condor II missile. The report says the project, which includes Egypt, Iraq and Argentina, is worth $3.2 billion, and, according to intelligence sources, seeks to provide Egypt and Iraq with 200 missiles each along with an indigenous capability to build more. The two-stage missile has an advanced French inertial-guidance system, a range of 600 miles and a 1,000-pound payload. It is designed for a mobile launch capability and an ability to carry nuclear warheads. Argentina began the Condor II project, the report says, in the wake of the 1982 Falklands war. Egypt, also allegedly representing Iraq, signed an agreement with Argentina in October 1984 for the development of the missile, with Iraq providing much of the funding. European missile engineers and designers are now in Iraq preparing the infrastructure to build the missiles.
—Mel Elfin, "Behind the Condor carbon-carbon smuggling scam," US News & World Report, 25 July 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 July 1988
Argentina tests the MQ-2 Bigua remote-control missile from a Pucaro counter-insurgency aircraft. Argentina has developed the missile in collaboration with Egypt and Iraq and based on the Italian Mirach 100 made by Meteor.
—"Argentina New Missile," Latin American Markets, 12 August 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
28 July 1988
During an interview, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak says of the Egyptian smuggling case, "We have not stolen the technology of the Americans. We have not been spying on their establishments, and we have not stolen their documents....The issue is very simple. The whole matter applies to not more than 20 carbon plates that are used in several industries. However, the American press has created an extreme uproar... It seems, however, that such material cannot be exported out of America. This is the whole issue."
—"Mubarak: U.S. Willing to Meet PLO," Washington Post, 28 July 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
29 July 1988
The Argentine government admits that it is collaborating with Egypt in the production of a missile dubbed Condor with a range of 600 to 800km. Argentina has collaborated with Egypt for five years in the production of solid fuels. The Condor is the first phase of a larger project. The second phase is the Alacran. The two will form a two-stage missile called Alcon.
—"Egyptian Missile," Latin American Markets, 29 July 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
10 August 1988
The Washington Post reports the Israeli Mossad was spurred by Egyptian and Iraqi missile cooperation to attempt to stop their efforts to purchase missile technology in the United States and Europe.
—Patrick E. Tyler, "Truce in Gulf seen fortifying Arab axis now assisting Iraq," Washington Post, 10 August 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
20 August 1988
The Washington Post reports that the attempt by Egyptian agents to smuggle missile technology from the United States may be linked to Egypt's Defense Minister, Field Marshal Abd al-Halim Abu Ghazala. [Note: See 24 June 1988 and 28 October 1988. Abu Ghazala is removed from his post 15 April 1989 amidst these allegations.]
—"High link seen in Cairo spy case; references heard to defense minister," Washington Post, 20 August 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
25 August 1988
West Germany's Stern magazine reports that Messerschmidt-Boelkow-Blohm (MBB) has earned more than $250 million from its participation in the Condor missile project and the related development of solid-fuel rocket motors. [Note: The source is not clear whether this refers to the Condor or Condor II or both.] The Stern report also asserts that, according to US analysts, the smaller Consen Group firm has provided 200 workers to oversee the project, and uses MBB offices and facilities in an attempt to nominally separate MBB from direct oversight of the project. [Note: See 9 April 1989.]
—Robert Gillette, "3rd world missiles linked to German, Italian firms," Los Angeles Times, 8 February 1989; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
4 September 1988
The New York Times reports that the Egyptian defense minister has been linked to the alleged smuggling of missile technology through wiretapped conversations that refer to the "minister." [Note: See 20 August 1988.]
—Richard W. Stevenson, "U.S. Studying Cairo links to smuggling plot," New York Times, 4 September 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
5 September 1988
Egyptian sources state that Israel is attempting to convince the United States to bargain with Egypt over the closure of the smuggling case involving Egyptian officials and missile technology in exchange for an Egyptian guarantee to stop development and production of surface-to-surface missiles. [Note: See 24 June and 5 September 1988.]
—Manama WAKH, 5 September 1988; in "Israeli Effort to 'Obstruct' Missiles Protested," FBIS Document FBIS-NES-88-172, 6 September 1988.
5 September 1988
Egyptian security sources deny an Italian newspaper's report that the Israeli Mossad detonated a booby-trapped car in Cairo to warn Egypt to halt its surface-to-surface missile program.
—Manama WAKH, 5 September 1988; in "Israeli Effort to 'Obstruct' Missiles Protested," FBIS Document FBIS-NES-88-172, 6 September 1988.
5 September 1988
MidEast Market reports that Egypt's Defense Minister, Field Marshal Abd al-Halim Abu Ghazala, may be implicated in the attempted smuggling of carbon-carbon fiber from the United States. [Note: See 24 June 1988.]
—"Egyptian Indifference to Missile Technology Scandal," MidEast Market, 5 September 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
8-9 September 1988
At a meeting in Rome, the United States, Britain, France, West Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan agree to block the Condor II missile development, labeling it a "project of concern."
—Don Oberdorfer, "U.S. seeks to curb Argentine missile project," Washington Post, 19 September 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
19 September 1988
The Washington Post reports that the Condor II missile has run into problems during testing, according to sources. The missile is probably a two-stage rocket with a range of 500 to 600 miles and a payload of 770 pounds.
—Don Oberdorfer, "U.S. seeks to curb Argentine missile project," Washington Post, 19 September 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
20 September 1988
Argentine Brigadier Roberto Engroba, the material area chief in the air force, says the Condor I and II missiles have nothing to do with the Fabrica Argentina de Material Aerispacial, of which Engroba is vice president.
—Noticias Argentinas, 20 September 1988; in "Argentina: Military source says Condor II project intended for peaceful purposes," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 22 September 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
20 September 1988
An Argentine military source says the Air Force is working on the Condor II medium-range rocket for sending payloads into space. The rocket has been developed for two years, the source says, and is being worked on at the experimental center at Falda del Carmen, near Alta Gracia in Cordoba province. The source says Argentina does not plan to sell medium-range missiles to other nations, especially those in conflict areas. The source says the rocket does not possess the proper guidance or control systems to make it a missile.
—Telam, 20 September 1988; in "Argentina: Military source says Condor II project intended for peaceful purposes," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 22 September 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
24 September 1988
Italian company Fiat denies that it sold secret technology for the Condor II missile. Allegations about Fiat's dealings are made in a book, Agnelli and the Network of Italian Power, by Alan Friedman, which will be published on 26 September. The book alleges that Fiat subsidiary, SNIA-BPD, sold guidance and propulsion systems to Argentina between 1984 and 1986. The book also claims that SNIA was temporarily barred from receiving missile technology from US joint venture partners as a result of having sold this technology to Argentina. Responding to these allegations, a Fiat spokesman says SNIA and German company Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) advised Argentina on a civilian rocket with a range of 70km in the 1970s, but "the project never got beyond the planning stage. We absolutely deny having anything to do with the Condor project."
—Michael Sheridan, "Fiat denies missile aid to Egypt and Argentina," The Independent, 24 September 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Andrew Gowers, "Fears on third world missiles, Financial Times, 24 September 1988, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
24 September 1988
The Independent reports that Western officials have said that a recent bomb explosion outside the homes of technicians working on the Condor II missile was the work of the Israeli Mossad.
—Michael Sheridan, "Fiat denies missile aid to Egypt and Argentina," The Independent, 24 September 1988; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
2 October 1988
UAE newspaper Al-Ittihad reports that the United Kingdom and the Mossad are secretly tracking the development of the Condor joint missile project.
—Al-Ittihad (Abu Dhabi), 2 October 1988; in Gulf 2000, <http://www1.columbia.edu>.
