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The global defence electronics company has secured a contract to deliver a new ‘sensor to shooter’ system to the British Army.
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Elbit Systems UK (ESUK) has been tapped by the Ministry of Defence to provide the British Army with a high-end surveillance system, which allows frontline soldiers to detect and engage enemy targets in seconds.
The Dismounted Joint Fires Integrator (DJFI) is designed to leverage advanced thermal sight technology to enhance soldiers’ ability to find and identify targets on the battlefield.
The ‘sensor to shooter’ system then provides the crucial targeting information necessary to support quick and accurate fire.
Information gathered by the DJFI is sent digitally to an artillery system or aircraft, enabling it to instantly engage the target, while the soldier operating the system remains hidden.
DJFI is expected to deliver six bespoke fires integration equipment suites, which are set to be combined with existing hardware and software.
The new £102 million ($180 million) contract is expected to create a further 40 highly-skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs split across Bristol and Sandwich, East Kent — in addition to the 500 jobs currently supported by Elbit Systems projects across the UK.
All five subcontracts awarded by ESUK will also be be British-based, with additional jobs expected to be sustained elsewhere through the UK supply chain over the next five years.
“This contract with Elbit Systems UK not only delivers the very latest in battlefield technology to our frontline soldiers, but also invests in the British defence industry, sustaining more than 500 jobs across the UK,” Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said.
Minister Quin added that the new technology would also support interoperability, with the system designed to be integrated and used alongside similar equipment deployed by allied forces.
Major General Darren Crook, director of the Land Equipment Operating Centre for Defence Equipment & Support, added, “Our commitment to equipping and supporting our Armed Forces has never faltered and I am delighted that we have been able to continue to secure state-of-the-art equipment for the British Army.”
Colonel Kieran Sheldon, assistant head of the Army Joint Effects Delivery team, said the DJFI would bolster the capability of a range of Army forces.
“In addition to being fielded across the Army to our fire support teams and joint terminal attack controllers, DJFI will also deliver capability to 3 Commando Brigade, the RAF Regiment and our special forces,” he said.
“This is a key system that will contribute directly to modernising our forces to face future threats.”
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK, added, “It is essential for our Armed Forces to be able to operate swiftly and accurately in hostile environments. The systems to be supplied by Elbit Systems UK represent our commitment to continuously provide the most advanced technology to those on the frontline.
"The D-JFI solution will provide operational advantage to the British Armed Forces in an increasingly complex battlefield."
[Related: GaardTech awarded British Army contract]
