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Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has entered into a contract with a NATO member in Europe for the delivery of Special Mission Aircraft, with the contract valued over US$200 million.
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The aircraft is scheduled to be built by IAI Group and subsidiary ELTA Systems, which specialises in radar and intelligence solutions, and is currently in use within both Israel and across the globe.
According to a release from the company, IAI is uniquely placed to develop such solutions, with their leading Special Mission Aircraft enabled through the development of miniaturised sensor technologies, as well as AI and ML-based algorithms and software.
“Time and time again, IAI continues to prove its ground-breaking capabilities, which have high global demand and worldwide appreciation,” Boaz Levy, president and chief executive officer of IAI said.
“This contract, at the center of which are advanced special mission aircraft, is another testament to our unique technologies which are a crucial strategic component to every military utilising them.”
Yoav Tourgeman, vice president of IAI and chief executive officer of ELTA, welcomed the opportunity to help enable the European nation to meet their strategic needs with IAI’s proven technology.
“The special mission aircraft developed by IAI-ELTA provide our customers with significant advantage and constitute a strategic asset. We are thrilled to win this contract to provide a NATO member country with our advanced technologies,” Tourgeman said.
“IAI-ELTA continues to achieve major breakthroughs in Special Mission Aircraft capabilities due to ongoing investments in advanced AESA radar technology coupled with Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. Our ongoing commitment to provide cutting-edge technologies to our customers, with advanced detection and classification capabilities, will enable success even in the most complicated missions.”
In June, IAI unveiled their new multi-sensor system, dubbed the GREEN LOTUS, for counter-rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) capabilities as well as air and ground surveillance.
The system utilises several of the company’s unique sensors to detect, track, classify and identify targets from very low radar cross section (RCS) mortar, rocket and artillery fire through to small drones, fixed-wing aircraft, personnel and vehicles.
The information collected by the sensor is computed onboard the system via the GREEN LOTUS’ command and control (C2) console, which uses AI for complex computation and to provide users with a comprehensive situational awareness picture (SAP).
According to IAI, the active and passive sensors on the GREEN LOTUS can be used for stationary and manoeuvring forces.
The system can also integrate with countermeasure systems, while the sensors can be tailored for the specific requirements of the users.
“We are proud to introduce our latest system, which continues IAI’s long legacy of technological innovation. The GREEN LOTUS integrates IAI’s range of proven sensors into a unique, advanced multi-mission system that offers important performance advantages,” Mr Tourgeman said.
“Our customers will realise maximal value as the system’s architecture enables it to evolve when new threats are introduced. The unveiling of the GREEN LOTUS at Eurosatory highlights IAI’s strong commitment to providing our customers with exceptional land defense solutions.”
The C-RAM was revealed shortly after the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Production and Procurement (DOPP) agreed to purchase “hundreds” of IAI-produced vehicles, with the combat vehicle intended for use within Israeli SOF teams.
Deputy director general and head of the DOPP, Avi Dadon recently signed a contract for the purchase of hundreds of new “Negeva” combat vehicles during a ceremony at the IAI land division production line.
The agreement is valued at over NIS 100 million and will see the company make Z-MAG and ZD vehicles for the IDF’s special forces in collaboration with Ido Cohen and The Armoured Group (TAG).
The all-terrain vehicles weigh 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes and can be used for a variety of mission tasks including delivery of supplies and casualty evacuations.
[Related: Israeli Ministry of Defense purchases hundreds of IAI ‘Negeva’ combat vehicles]
