Elbit bags $40 million IDF contract for Skylark UAVs
27 Jan 2009
Israeli defence major Elbit Systems has received an initial $40 million contract from the country's defence ministry for the supply of Skylark 1 LE mini-unmanned air vehicles which will equip the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
Elbit has confirmed the deal saying the contract would cover the delivery of an undisclosed number of air vehicles "over the next few years," and will include personnel training and logistics support. If additional systems were also ordered it would enhance the value of the contract to $100 million.
Elbit won the so-called "over-the-hill" UAV contest in December 2008, beating Aeronautics Defense Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael.
The Skylark 1 LE UAV has three hours of endurance and a mission radius of 15km (8.1nm). It has an electric propulsion system.
The mini-UAV was deployed by the Israeli defence forces against Hamas militants in Gaza to help in "gathering vital intelligence and enhancing collaboration and connectivity between the different operating forces", says Elbit.