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The global defence contractor has appointed a new managing director to oversee the company’s Australian growth.
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Golan Ben Giat has been appointed managing director of Rafael Defence Australia, having previously served as the director of business development, marketing, and strategy at Rafael’s land and naval division. He has also served as general manager of NIP Nikuv International Projects, regional director of sales and marketing at Netline Israel Defence Industries, and general manager for Blue Sky International.
As part of the role, Ben Giat will now oversee the company’s contribution to the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise, and has pledged to prioritise the development of Varley Rafael Australia (VRA) — the company’s joint venture with the Varley Group.
Just last year, Varley Rafael Australia was tapped to deliver a tranche of Spike LR2 missile to the Australian Army.
This involves integration and acceptance testing for Army’s new Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs) and the future fleet of infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) as part of LAND 400 Phases 2 and 3.
VRA has also been tasked with the provision of Spike LR2 mechanical and outdoor training rounds and delivery of user training.
Ben Walter, newly appointed chief executive officer of VRA, welcomed the Commonwealth government contract.
“This is a major milestone on our proposed roadmap to establish Spike missile manufacturing capability right here in Australia,” he said.
VRA’s offering reportedly includes manufacturing of inert components and integration, rocket propulsion and warhead systems, hot integration, and associated storage requirements.
