Defense

Headquarted in France, Eurocopter is a subsidiary of the global aerospace and defense company EADS. Eurocopter is one of the world's leading helicopter manufacturers.

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“Since the European Union does not impose restrictions on sales of civil products to Iran, Eurocopter and AgustaWestland market their products in the country, but the US sanctions restrict the Europeans’ offerings to just a few models.” (Globalsecurity.org, “Iran Aviation Industry”)

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 In April 2005, Aviation International News reported that “Eurocopter is well represented in Iran. Last year it won the state tender to supply three AS 365N3 Dauphins outfitted for search-and-rescue and maritime surveillance. Those helicopters, scheduled to be delivered next year, will be the first Dauphins in the nation… Eurocopter estimates Iran’s total demand for civil helicopters to be 100 to 150 units during the next two or three years… Eurocopter predicts that the Dauphin will be the best-selling helicopter in the nation in the years ahead.”

“Last year Iran’s Ministry of Industry and Mines took delivery of an AS 350B3 to use for geological survey. The manufacturer also delivered six AS 350B3s to the Ministry of Oil for Helicopter Services Organization, which is using the new models to supplement its two AS 350B2s, the first French-made helicopters delivered to Iran after the Islamic Revolution under 2000 and 2002 deals.”

“Eurocopter also provides support for the Alouette IIIs and BO 105s operators acquired before the revolution that remain operational with civilian organizations. A total of 30 of these aging types remain airworthy and operate mostly with Helicopter Services Organization.” (Aviation International News, “Helo makers find market in Iran,” April 2005)

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In February 2005, EADS and its subsidiary Eurocopter, marketed their products at that year’s Iran Air Show. When questioned about the American sanctions on Iran, an EADS representative stated, “ As a European company, we're not supposed to take into account embargoes from the U.S.” He added, “The emphasis here is on our civil helicopters. We are not offering military helicopters here.” Nonetheless, a military helicopter was “prominent on the company's video in Iran.” (MSNBC, “European Firms Display Wares in Iran,” 2/23/05)

See Video: Corresponding NBC Nightly News Investigative Report on European defense firms doing business in Iran. (NBC Nightly News, “European Defense Firms Eager to Sell to Iran”)

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Eurocopter was also an exhibitor at the 2007 Iranian Air Show. (2008 Iran Kish Air Show, “Exhibitors”)

Former name for Airbus.

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EADS is a global leader in aerospace and defense. Germany, France, the Netherlands and Spain all own a stake in the company. Notable subsidiaries of EADS including the airplane manufacturer Airbus and the helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter.

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In 2005, it was also reported that EADS provided nuclear parts to Iran through sales to a South Korean company, Kyung-Do Enterprises:  “The French firm EADS Sodern was one such company involved in the illegal transactions though it was unaware of the final destination of its exports.” Iran purchased 300 units of Nickel 63 from the South Korean company: “This radioactive material is needed for firing electrons used in a nuclear bomb’s trigger mechanism.” (Iran Focus, “Iran acquiring nuclear parts from Europe,” 7/25/05)

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“Since the European Union does not impose restrictions on sales of civil products to Iran, Eurocopter and AgustaWestland market their products in the country, but the US sanctions restrict the Europeans’ offerings to just a few models.” (Globalsecurity.org, “Iran Aviation Industry”)

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 In April 2005, Aviation International News reported that “Eurocopter is well represented in Iran. Last year it won the state tender to supply three AS 365N3 Dauphins outfitted for search-and-rescue and maritime surveillance. Those helicopters, scheduled to be delivered next year, will be the first Dauphins in the nation… Eurocopter estimates Iran’s total demand for civil helicopters to be 100 to 150 units during the next two or three years… Eurocopter predicts that the Dauphin will be the best-selling helicopter in the nation in the years ahead.”

“Last year Iran’s Ministry of Industry and Mines took delivery of an AS 350B3 to use for geological survey. The manufacturer also delivered six AS 350B3s to the Ministry of Oil for Helicopter Services Organization, which is using the new models to supplement its two AS 350B2s, the first French-made helicopters delivered to Iran after the Islamic Revolution under 2000 and 2002 deals.”

“Eurocopter also provides support for the Alouette IIIs and BO 105s operators acquired before the revolution that remain operational with civilian organizations. A total of 30 of these aging types remain airworthy and operate mostly with Helicopter Services Organization.” (Aviation International News, “Helo makers find market in Iran,” April 2005)

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In February 2005, EADS and its subsidiary Eurocopter, marketed their products at that year’s Iran Air Show. When questioned about the American sanctions on Iran, an EADS representative stated, “ As a European company, we're not supposed to take into account embargoes from the U.S.” He added, “The emphasis here is on our civil helicopters. We are not offering military helicopters here.” Nonetheless, a military helicopter was “prominent on the company's video in Iran.” (MSNBC, “European Firms Display Wares in Iran,” 2/23/05)

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See Video: Corresponding NBC Nightly News Investigative Report on European defense firms doing business in Iran. (NBC Nightly News, “European Defense Firms Eager to Sell to Iran”)

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Eurocopter was also an exhibitor at the 2007 Iranian Air Show. (2008 Iran Kish Air Show, “Exhibitors”)

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ATR is an Italian-French aircraft manufacturer and a joint venture of EADS and Finmeccanica, which each own a 50% stake of the company. The EADS website lists in 2002 that ATR sold one ATR 72-500 aircraft to Iran Aseman Airlines (EADS Website, “ATR results in line with 2002 objectives,” 1/22/03). The ATR 72 model is a short-haul regional airliner. Other ATR aircraft are active in Aseman’s Airlines fleet (Aseman Airlines website, “About Us”)

In 2006, LIMMT Economic & Trade Co., a Chinese seller of metallurgical products, was blocked from selling goods in the U.S. for allegedly selling high-strength metals and sophisticated military materials to Iran.

In April 2009, a New York grand jury indicted LIMMT and its owner, Li Fang Wei, for allegedly conspiring to evade that ban by using aliases, and the U.S. Treasury updated its sanctions list to include those aliases.

In 2006, Dalian Sunny Industry & Trade Co. sent seven shipments of steel parts to Coastal Flange Inc. in Houston. (The 2009 case established that Dalian was an LIMMT affiliate.) In 2007, the shipments began coming from Dalian Orient Pipe Components Co. Bills of lading reveal that Dalian Sunny and Dalian Orient share the same address and telephone number.

Officials at LIMMT, Dalian Sunny and Dalian Orient didn't return calls seeking comment. (The Wall Street Journal, "Chinese Evade U.S. Sanctions on Iran," 1/5/10)

In January 2021, the State of New Jersey Department of the Treasury listed CPMIEC as a company engaged in prohibited activities in Iran pursuant to P.L. 2012, c. 25 ("Chapter 25"). 

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As of October 14, 2020, CPMIEC remained on the Tennesse Department of General Services list of persons it determines engage in investment activities in Iran, as described in 12-12-105.

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As of July 1, 2020, CPMIEC is listed as an entity “determined, based on credible information available to the public, to be engaged in prohibited activities in Iran pursuant to New Jersey P.L. 2012, c.25 (“Chapter 25”). 

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As of April 15, 2020, CPMIEC is included as an entity determined to be non-responsive bidders/offerers pursuant to The New York State Iran Divestment Act of 2012.  

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As of April 15, 2020, CPMIEC is included on the Tennessee list of persons it determines engage in investment activities in Iran, as described in § 12-12-105. 

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On June 30, 2019, New Jersey listed CPMIEC on its state list of entities determined, based on credible information, to be engaged in prohibited activities in Iran.

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In 2018 and 2019 Tennessee used the New York list of “Entities determined to be non-responsive bidders/offerers pursuant to the New York State Iran Divestment Act of 2012.” CPMIEC was included on this list in 2018 and 2019. Tennessee states "Inclusion on this list would make a person ineligible to contract with the state of Tennessee, if a person ceases its engagement in investment activities in Iran, it may be removed from the list."

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In 2018, the state of New Jersey, listed CPMIEC on its Iran scrutinized companies list rendering CPMIEC ineligible for investment and/or state contracting.

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"Chinese companies banned from doing business in the U.S. for allegedly selling missile technology to Iran continue to do a brisk trade with American companies, according to an analysis of shipping records.

A unit of state-owned China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corp., for example, has made nearly 300 illegal shipments to U.S. firms since a ban was imposed on CPMIEC and its affiliates in mid-2006, according to an analysis of shipping records by the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, a nonprofit proliferation watchdog.

A Wall Street Journal review of the records and interviews with officials at some of the American companies indicate that the U.S. firms likely were unaware they were doing business with banned entities, and in many cases were tripped up by altered company names.

The CPMIEC shipments, worth millions of dollars, include everything from anchors and drilling equipment to automobile parts and toys. In many cases, CPMIEC acted as a shipping intermediary -- activity also banned under a 2006 presidential order.

The ability of CPMIEC and other foreign companies to continue doing business in the U.S. despite the sanctions comes as the Obama administration considers fresh economic sanctions against Iran. The illegal shipments suggest that U.S. sanctions have become so numerous and complex that they have become difficult to enforce...

In June 2006, the U.S. banned CPMIEC and three other Chinese companies from conducting business in the U.S., citing their alleged sales of missile technology to Iran in defiance of previous sanctions. Two months later, a shipment of oil-drainage tanks from Shanghai landed at the port of Tacoma, Wash., bound for a New York City firm, American Forge & Foundry Inc. The shipper: a unit of CPMIEC, according to a shipping record known as a bill of lading...

John Iliff, general manager of American Forge & Foundry, says the single shipment of oil-drainage tanks it received in 2006 from the CPMIEC unit set off no alarms. 'Trading in illegal goods certainly never crossed our minds,' he says.

The shipment came from China JMM Import & Export Shanghai Pudong Corp., which didn't appear on any sanctions list until Thursday. Records indicate the company shares an address and phone number with a CPMIEC unit that was previously banned: CPMIEC Shanghai Pudong Corp. The Treasury determined that the two companies are affiliated." (The Wall Street Journal, "Chinese Evade U.S. Sanctions on Iran," 1/5/10)

"Iranian and German transportation ministers have signed six contracts for promotion of cooperation in marine, road and railway transportation. The first document, signed by Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and German Ministry of Transportation, concerns comprehensive transportation cooperation, the second document concerns joint statement for cooperation between the two ministries in ports and navigation. The third document foresees educational cooperation between Iranian Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and German Siemens Company, and the fourth protocol forecasts cooperation between Iranian Railway Company and German Thales Group." (SHANA, "Iran, Germany Sign 6 Transporation Documents," 10/24/2016).

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"The contract was signed between Iran Airports and Air Navigation Company (IAANC) and French Thales Company, in the presence of Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhundi and French Minister of Transport Alain Vidalies in Tehran." (April 20, 2016)

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From a Company Press Release: In February 2007, “the opening of a new Customer Service Support Centre in the United Arab Emirates for Air Systems solutions. The newly born Support Centre consolidates Thales local presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as well as in Egypt, Iran, Pakistan and Yemen. As a major economic and business centre in the region, Dubai, and more precisely the Jebel Ali Free Zone has been chosen to ‘host' the Support Centre.” (Company Press Release, “Thales opens a new support centre in the Middle East,” 2/17/09)

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“Former optic businesses of Thales have consented to pay penalties of USD15 million as part of an agreement with the US Department of State relating to more than 160 alleged breaches of the US Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) dating back as far as 20 years, it emerged on 6 January.

The allegations concern claims that technology, hardware and services primarily relating to night-vision systems were exported or re-exported to countries including China, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Pakistan, Russia and Singapore."

While the majority of the alleged violations apply to the early years of the current decade, one dates back to 1985.

In a statement, the State Department indicated that the probe relates in part to a prior investigation into US defence group ITT Corporation. Thales Singapore (and its predecessor companies) were important suppliers to ITT Night Vision, the State Department said. Jane's reported in March 2007 that ITT had agreed to pay penalties of USD100 million - described by the US Department of Justice at the time as "one of the largest penalties ever paid in a criminal case" - after admitting sending "classified materials overseas".

The latest Department of State investigation covers certain former Thales High Technology Optic Group companies - Thales Electro-Optics Pte Ltd Singapore (Thales Singapore), Thales Optical Coatings Ltd UK and Thales Optem Inc NY - that were acquired by the Luxembourg-based Qioptiq Group in 2005.” (Jane's, "Former Thales companies agree to pay penalties for US export violations," 1/8/09)

Russia’s media say the country’s aviation giant Sukhoi has signed a basic agreement with Iran to sell its Superjet 100 planes. Interfax news agency announced in a report that the agreement – which has been signed with an unnamed Iranian company – enables both sides to study the projected sales. The news agency quoted an anonymous Russia aviation official as confirming the development. The official added, however, that the agreement was still not binding. Hossein Alaei, the head of Iran’s Aseman Airlines, had earlier said his company was negotiating with Sukhoi as well as several other leading global plane makers to renovate its fleet. Alaei added that Sukhoi had carried out trial flights of its Superjet 100 last week in Tehran – what he said had been carried out at the invitation of Aseman Airlines. (Press TV,  "Sukhoi signs basic plane sales deal with Iran," 12/20/2016).

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In 2006, "Rosoboronexport contracted with Iran late July to modernize 30 Su-24 front bombers which may bear tactic nuclear weapons. The contract is to be executed by Sukhoi." (Kommersant, "Sanctions Imposed on Russian Companies Linked with Iran," 08/05/06)

"Russia has offered Iran its latest Antey-2500 missiles, the head of Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec said on Monday according to media reports, after a deal to supply less powerful S-300 missiles was dropped under Western pressure. Sergei Chemezov said Tehran was now considering the offer, TASS news agency reported. Russia scrapped a contract to supply Iran with S-300 surface-to-air missiles under Western pressure in 2010, and Iran later filed a $4-billion international arbitration suit against Russia in Geneva, but the two countries remain allies." (Reuters, "Russian offers Iran latest anti-aircraft missiles: TASS,"

2/23/15)

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"Russia's government-run weapons manufacturer is supplying equipment for Iran's missile program, intelligence documents recently presented to the US Congress indicate. According to intelligence estimates, this does not represent official cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, but rather demonstrates the inability of the Russian government to prevent state firms from engaging in illegal trade with the Islamic Republic. The Russian firm in question is Rosoboronexport, which supplied Iran with defensive missile systems in 2006 and continues to maintain business ties with Iran in the missile sector." (YnetNews, "Russian manufacturer selling missile equipment to Iran," 6/11/12)

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"For two years, the United States regarded Rosoboronexport, Russia’s official weapons exporter, as an international pariah for selling arms to Iran and Syria. Then, in 2010, the U.S. suddenly lifted sanctions against it. By June of this year, the reversal was complete: the Pentagon awarded the company a no-bid contract worth upwards of $1 billion… Rosoboronexport, whose annual revenues have grown to nearly $9 billion, had only recently been removed from the list of companies sanctioned by the U.S. State Department for violating U.S. laws prohibiting the sale of weapons to Iran and Syria. Among the suspected sales were surface-to-air missiles to Iran. But after sanctions were lifted, the Army went full steam ahead with plans to sole-source a $375 million contract to the Russian arms agency, now arguing that it was the only legitimate vendor of Russian armaments." (Wired, "Russian Firm Got No-Bid Pentagon Contract After Selling Arms to Iran," 8/31/11)

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"Russia's state arms export agency said Monday that it is supplying Iran with defensive weapons, including surface-to-air missiles, but did not say whether they include the sophisticated long-range S-300 missiles...Rosoboronexport said in a statement that 'only weapons of a defensive nature are being supplied to Iran, including anti-aircraft weaponry.' It added that, previously, Tor-M1 air-defense systems were supplied to Iran." (Associated Press, "Russia giving Iran only defensive weapons," 12/22/08)

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"Rosoboronexport contracted with Iran late July to modernize 30 Su-24 front bombers which may bear tactic nuclear weapons. The contract is to be executed by Sukhoi." (Kommersant, "Sanctions Imposed on Russian Companies Linked to Iran," 08/05/2006)

"The civil aviation chief of Iran has said that the country intends to pursue legal action against both Airbus and ATR [which is jointly owned by Airbus and Finmeccanica] regarding their lack of parts supply." (Simple Flying, "Iran Eyes Legal Action Against Airbus And ATR Over Spare Parts Supply," (1/4/22)

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"Following the lifting of sanctions in January 2016, IranAir finalized contracts for purchasing 100 Airbus jets, 80 Boeing jets and 20+20 ATR aircraft. It has taken the delivery of 11 planes so far: one Airbus A321, two Airbus A330s and eight ATR 72-600s." (Financial Tribune, "50% of Iran’s Passenger Fleet Grounded by Technical Problems," 12/7/21)

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"Iran has ordered 100 airliners from European planemaker Airbus and 80 from Boeing and is in talks to finalize a deal to buy 20 turboprop aircraft from ATR, jointly owned by Airbus and Italy's Leonardo Finmeccanica." (March 2017)

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"Finmeccanica's engineering unit Fata has signed a 500 million euro ($543 million) contract with Iran's Ghadir to build a power plant in the Asian country, a spokesman for the Italian defense group said on Wednesday. Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni held talks with officials in Tehran on Tuesday, the latest in a series of European officials seeking closer trade ties with Iran after its nuclear deal with world powers." (Reuters, "Italy's Finmeccanica signs Iran power plant deal for 500 million euro," 8/5/15)

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"Finmeccanica, a conglomerate of defense, aerospace, energy and transportation companies, provided Iran with 44 gas turbines through its subsidiary Ansaldo Energia as part of a project completed in 2002 to increase that country’s power capacity. This past summer, citing that tie, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority held off from awarding the company a contract to build it light rail cars. But the federal government had no such qualms, awarding the company contracts to sell products like weapons and tracked vehicles to the United States Army while the company was still in Iran. A spokesperson for the Finmeccanica said the company withdrew from Iran because it wanted to align itself with the policies of the Italian government and because it was sensitive to concerns by the U.S. government about companies operating in Iran."  From 2000-2009, the company was the recipient of $2.1 billion US federal funds.  They have withdrawn their activities from Iran.  (The New York Times, "Profiting from Iran, and the US," 3/6/2010)

"However, Breda is owned by Finmeccanica, a conglomerate of defense, aerospace, energy and transportation companies, which has deals to provide Iran with 44 gas turbines through its subsidiary Ansaldo Energia." (LA Times, "MTA takes issue with potential contractor's ties with Iran," 7/18/2009)

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Ansaldo Energia, one of Finmeccanica's subsidiaries, notes the following on its website: "The bid for the supply of 32 simple-cycle gas turbine (GT) units to Iran, in which the main European manufacturers participated, ended with a pre-agreement in May 1999 and the signing of the contract in July of the same year between Ansaldo Energia Spa and its client, Mapna, the largest general contractor in Iran in the electricity field and affiliated to the country's Ministry of Energy. The 32 units, all of them equipped with V94.2 150MW gas turbines, total 4800 MW of power output, constituting roughly 20% of the entire production of the country. In the meantime, new contracts have been added to the initial one, bringing the final number of units supplied by Ansaldo Energia to 44." (Company website)