Elbit Systems receive Israeli Defence Forces order for new UAV systems

Haifa, Israel: Elbit Systems Ltd has received a new UAV order for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), valued at approximately $30 million. This includes the development, manufacture and supply of new and improved UAV systems, as well as the upgrade of existing UAV systems, designed to enhance and expand the IDF''s existing UAV platform.

Development and supply of the UAVs is scheduled to take place over a period in excess of three years.

The Hermes 450 is an original development of Elbit Systems, and the IDF has been operating UAVs based on this platform for several years. During the recent war in Lebanon its UAVs flew many combat sorties proving their efficiency in performing their missions by providing effective operational results and achieving their goal - the supply of necessary, visual intelligence to the ground forces.

The Hermes 450 UAVs are operated by various military forces worldwide and are deployed in battlefields such as Iraq and Afghanistan to the full satisfaction of the customers.

According to Haim Kellerman, corporate vice-president and general manager, Elbit Systems, UAV division: "We are proud to receive IDF''s renewed order, attesting to the long-standing quality and operational abilities of the Hermes 450. We regard the IDF as our central customer and the cornerstone of our increased success among the Hermes 450''s users worldwide. The accumulated operational experience and feedback we receive from the IDF are important elements in the success of the Hermes 450 around the globe. The Hermes 450 unique features constitute a solid basis for the entire Hermes UAV family. I have no doubt that the Hermes 900, which will undergo flight tests in the coming months, will enjoy similar success."

Elbit Systems'' UAV family has accumulated tens of thousands of operational flight hours in Israel and other countries worldwide. The various UAVs designed to meet a range of requirement include the Hermes 1500, Hermes 450 - chosen to lead the British Armed Forces prestigious ''Watchkeeper'' programme, Hermes 900 - incorporating all features of Hermes 450 and more - longer flight duration, larger payload configurations and ability to operate under extreme weather conditions, and Hermes180 - the smallest UAV in the Hermes family.

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defence electronics company engaged in a wide range of defence-related programmes throughout the world.

The Elbit Systems Group, which includes the company and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned air vehicle (UAV) systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios.

The Group also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new technologies for defence, homeland security and commercial aviation applications.