Israel’s Rafael Acquires British Land Systems’ Specialist Pearson Engineering
Israel's defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has completed the acquisition of the British defense specialist company Pearson Engineering Ltd. The acquisition was executed under a stock purchase agreement (SPA), transferring 100% of the ownership. The acquisition includes Pearson's metalworks subsidiary company Responsive Engineering Ltd.
Rheinmetall and UVision Awarded First Order for HERO-30 Loitering Munitions
Rheinmetall and its partner UVision have won the first order from a major European NATO military force for HERO loitering munitions. The customer, a special forces unit, placed an initial order for Hero-30 combat and training munitions, simulator, training courses as well as integrated logistics equipment and support. This first order is worth a figure in the single-digit million-euro range with possible additional orders that might be expected. The exact number of munitions to be supplied is classified. The order was placed in July 2022, with delivery scheduled to take place by 2023.
Soaring G2G Sales Takes Israel’s Defense Exports to a Double Digit Record
Israel’s defense exports have reached double-digit figures for the first time, reaching a 55% increase within two years, to US$11.3 Billion. G2G deals are often larger in scale than export sales signed by the individual companies and their execution is often faster than sales conducted under standard commercial terms.
Hungary to Upgrade its Leased Gripen Fleet
Hungary will soon operate improved Gripen fighter jets similar to those used by the Swedish Air Force, following the modernization of its leased aircraft to the latest version MS20 Block 2 version. This upgrade brings several improvements in sensors, weapons, and avionics. The Swedish Air Force first introduced this upgrade in 2016.
HevenDrones to use Plug Power’s Hydrogen Power to Fly its Heavy Drones
HevenDrones, an Israeli developer of heavy drones announced an alliance with US-based Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG), for the development and commercialization of hydrogen fuel-cell-powered heavy-lift drones and related support equipment and infrastructure required for their operation. Together, the companies plan to provide an integrated solution to power and refuel HevenDrones’ next-generation fleet with the key objective of providing extended flight times and range.
SOCOM Places a First Order for Switchblade 600 Loitering Missiles
AeroVironment announced today the receipt of a contract for its new Switchblade 600 loitering missile. The order was received from the Special Operations Command. The allocates $26 million for the delivery of weapons and their integration of the new weapon on specialized maritime platforms operated by US Special Operations Forces. Completion is expected by the end of 2022.
The New Flight Training Center in Greece to Follow the Israeli Model
Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and Hellenic Ministry of National Defense have signed an expansive agreement of approximately NIS 5.5 billion (€1.375 billion) for the establishment and operation of an international flight training center for the Hellenic Air Force. Further expansions also include cooperation between the Israeli flight academy and Hellenic Airforce Academy and adding military helicopter pilot training at the facility. The goal of the new center is to train fighter pilots of the Greek Air Force and foreign armed forces, similar to the Italian Air Force/Leonardo International Flight Training School (IFTS).
IAI, Thales Offer Sea Serpent Missiles to Replace the Harpoon on the Royal Navy Frigates
Thales UK and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have joined forces to offer IAI’s Sea Serpent anti-ship missile to replace the Harpoon Block1C anti-ship missile currently in service on board the Royal Navy Type 23 frigates.
France Introduces an Improved APFSDS Long-Rod Penetrator Tank Ammo
Nexter Munitions is introducing the SHARD as an improved Armor-Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) tank ammunition for the NATO standard 120mm smoothbore tank gun. Following completion of design optimization in 2021, and industrial qualification in 2022, SHARD will be ready for mass production by the end of 2022.
Israel Selects CH-53K to Replace its 50 Year Old Stallions
Israel selects Lockheed Martin Sikorsky CH-53K Yasour helicopters as the IDF’s new heavy-lift aircraft, as part of the IDF’s “Tnufa” (Momentum), multi-year plan. These will replace the “Yassur” helicopters employed by the IAF since the late 1960s.
Mastering Thermal Imaging Optics
At IDEX 2021, Ophir will be showcasing its wide range of long-range IR zoom lenses, designed for both Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) & Mid Wave Infrared (MWIR) applications. The star of the display will be Ophir's award-winning, ultra-long-range zoom lens, the SupIR 50-1350mm f/5.5, suitable for VGA and XSGA format cooled MWIR optical systems.
IAI Reports Three New Sales of Loitering Weapons; The Sales Reflect Growing Interest in LM Category
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced today the signing of three significant contracts valued at over US$100 million, for the supply of Loitering Munitions (LM) systems to several countries in Asia. Orders for HAROP loitering weapons for land-based and naval platforms and for ROTEM miniature 'suicide drones' reflect a growing interest in the LM category.
Thales’ Nexium to Deliver Combat Cloud Services for NATO Armed Forces
NATO has selected Thales to provide the first certified defense cloud solution that can be deployed in the theatre of operations in less than 24 hours. Thales was selected after a worldwide competitive tendering process .
The Middle East Defense Cooperation Forum
The first feature, ISRAEL@IDEX to be published in December 2020, provides overviews and analysis of defense-related topics relevant to the region, a listing of companies active in the defense and security sector, and the highlight of market opportunities, new products, and relevant business activities.
