Tadiran Introduces the SDR-7200 Software Defined Tactical Radio

Elbit Systems Land and C4I – Tadiran is introducing two new radio systems at Eurosatory 2008, the company will unveil its future Software Defined Radio design, dubbed SDR-7200 and the latest family of high frequency (HF) radios, called THF-8000. The SDR-7200 is undergoing development for the Israel Defense Forces for the past two years. early versions of this new-generation software defined radio are currently operational with the IDF and now being offered to overseas customers.

Saab Receives Order for AT-4 CS Anti-Tank Weapons

Saab (STO:SAABB) announced it has signed a contract for the delivery of AT4 CS anti-armor systems at a value of US$30,5 million. Last year the company announced a U.S. Marine Corps order for 3,500 AT-4 (M136) units at a cost of $7.1 million. The award included options for additional quantities with a total value of about $40 million. The AT-4 CS system is different from the M136 currently in U.S. Army and USMC service, as it is offers less restrictive operating environments, including the ability to fire from enclosures, such as bunkers and buildings. (Similar to most western shoulder launched weapons in use today, current AT-4 are operated in open space since their launch effect could be hazardous in enclosures.

Morocco to Receive 24 F-16s as part of U.S. Foreign Military Sale

The United States government awarded Lockheed Martin an Undefinitized Contract Authorization (UCA) for the production of 24 Advanced F-16 Block 52 aircraft for Morocco, making the Kingdom of Morocco the 25th nation to select the F-16. Morocco will acquire 24 F-16C/D aircraft in Block 52 configuration, powered by Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines. The delivery will be included as part of a U.S. Foreign Military Sales program for Morocco. The U.S. government awarded Lockheed Martin an Undefinitized Contract Authorization (UCA) worth $233.6 million to initiate production. The F100-PW-229 engines will be delivered in 2010 and 2011. The cost of the engines is approximately $170 million.

Greece Commissions First Leopard 2A6 HEL Tank

The Greek armed forces commissioned into service the first LEOPARD 2A6 HEL supplied by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). The tank was fielded with the 25th armoured brigade at Xanthi. LEOPARD 2A6 HEL is considered to be the most advanced version of the Leopard tank family.

In addition to the 170 main battle tanks, KMW supplied the Greek armed forces with armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs), armoured vehicle launched bridges (AVLBs), driving and shooting simulators, as well as the world's most advanced simulation centre. KMW is also fulfilling one of the most extensive offset programmes for Greece. The contract was worth 1.7 billion euros.

Clarion Acquires Three defense Shows from Reed Exhibitions

Clarion Events Limited announced the acquisition of three major events in the defence and security sector. DSEi (Defence Systems and Equipment International), ITEC and LAAD (Latin American Aerospace and Defence) have been bought by Clarion Events from Reed Exhibitions. The shows have been purchased for an undisclosed amount. Simon Kimble, CEO of Clarion Events, assured that Clarion's priority is to achieve a seamless transition of the events, building on the successful platform's track record. Clarion Events is the largest independent event organiser in the UK. The company plans to hold the next DSEI event as scheduled, at London ’s ExCeL centre in 8–11 September, 2009. ITEC - Europe’s leading conference and exhibition dedicated to defence training, simulation and education will be held in Stockholm from 10-12 June, 2008. LAAD, Latin America's leading defense exhibition will be held in Rio de Janeiro from 14-17 April, 2009.

MIG Could Join Russia's United Aircraft Corporation This Year

Russia's recently incorporated MiG aircraft manufacturer may become part of Russia's state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) by the end of this year (2008) – according to Russian daily newspaper Kommersant. Among the Russian aerospace companies currently forming UAC are Ilyushin, Tupolev, Sukhoi, Antonov and Mikoyan. Kommersant quoted MiG's new general director Anatoly Belov saying that such integration could be expected after June this year, following a conclusion of the audit report prepared by Ernst Young.

Gyrocam to Deliver 500 VOSS EO Systems to Army Vehicles

Gyrocam Systems has been awarded a follow-on contract worth $302 million to supply electro-optical surveillance systems under Phase II of the U.S. Army Vehicle Optic Sensor System (VOSS) program. The VOSS is deployed on patrol vehicles such as MRAP tasked with rout clearing and convoy protection. The elevated EO sensor enables the crew to spot improvised explosive devices from safe distance. Gyrocam began delivering EO systems in 2004 and has provided the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy and the Air Force with more than 300 mast-mounted vehicle camera systems currently operating in Iraq and Afghanistan. The current order funds the supply of additional 500 systems, as well as sustainment and support in theater.

USAF Drops GPS Enhanced Laser Guided Weapon from MQ-9 Reaper

A test team with the 658th Aeronautical Systems Squadron completed the first Global Positioning System guided weapons release from an MQ-9 Reaper May 13 at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at China Lake, Calif. The weapon used was the Air Force' new GBU-49 500 lb guided weapon. The GBU-49 provides the war fighter an all-weather capability to employ a munition with precision without the aid of a laser designator. A total of six weapons were dropped during the test. Two inert weapons, three GPS guided and a single laser guided bomb.

French Special Forces Select Israeli Skylark I Mini UAVs from Elbit

Elbit Systems will supply Skylark I mini UAVs to the French Special Forces. Ten of the world's leading UAV providers competed for this tender, which could lead to future procurement by other branches of the French Armed Forces. Haim Kellerman, General Manager of Elbit Systems UAV Division and Corporate Vice President, is hopeful the new agreement will pave Elbit System's way to the French market. Kellerman hopes that this win will be followed by further agreements with European NATO member countries. Skylark I systems demonstrated their effectiveness during the 2006 Lebanon War and are currently deployed by several countries as part of the coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.