The Artillery Export of the Škoda Works to Iran in the 1930s. Cover Image

K dělostřeleckému exportu Škodových závodů do Íránu ve třicátých letech 20. století
The Artillery Export of the Škoda Works to Iran in the 1930s.

Author(s): Jan Hladík
Subject(s): Diplomatic history, Economic history, Military history, International relations/trade, Military policy, Interwar Period (1920 - 1939)
Published by: Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa v Nitre, Filozofická fakulta
Keywords: Škoda Works; Cannons; Iran; Export; Ammunition; Negotiation;

Summary/Abstract: This article analyses the arms trade between Iran and the Czechoslovak company Škoda Works in the 1930s. When Reza Shah Pahlavi came to power and Czechoslovakia established diplomatic relations with Iran, the Iranian market opened to Czechoslovak companies. This moment was also an opportunity for Škoda Works. Škoda Works needed to compensate (at least partially) the reduction in exports caused by the Great Depression. New business opportunities were offered by the Iranian army which needed modern cannons. At first, it was necessary to persuade Iranian clientele to give priority to the products of the Škoda Works over the competition. The first contracts for the supply of cannons were signed in 1934. The largest business contracts were realized in the following year. However negotiations on some contracts were very difficult and lasted for several years in some cases. Some of the contracts were not very advantageous for Škoda Works. But Škoda Works were forced to sign these contracts to prevent losing Iranian customers.

  • Issue Year: 24/2020
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 111-124
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: Czech