Israel Buys Drones, Autonomous Systems for $40M From Elbit
Elbit Systems will supply the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with advanced drones and autonomous systems as part of multiple signed deals amounting to around $40 million.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has not disclosed the specific models, but shared that the IDF seeks to upgrade its operational capabilities through acquiring intelligence-collecting drones that are “capable of operating within Seek & Strike swarms and intelligence platoons.”
Other platforms procured include mission drones with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, terrain dominance, and combat force attack capabilities, in addition to mini-drone-based strike solutions for urban missions.
Aside from drones, the Israel-based defense manufacturer will also provide resilient communication solutions for unmanned systems.
These autonomous platforms designed for multiple missions were the result of a collaboration between Elbit Systems, the defense ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), and IDF Ground Forces.
“The UAS domain enables efficient, precise, and scalable intelligence gathering and strike missions. Since the outbreak of war, these orders have joined many others made by the Ministry of Defense to various companies, including Elbit Systems and other defense industries and startups,” DDR&D R&D Department Head, Brigadier General Yehuda Almakias said.
“These acquisitions ensure that troops can optimally execute their battlefield missions. The DDR&D will continue maintaining Israel’s technological battlefield superiority and supporting the current war efforts.”
Meanwhile, company Executive VP and General Manager C4i and Cyber Haim Delmar highlighted how the contracts “demonstrate the increasing confidence in Elbit’s innovative Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) technology in general, and especially our unique drone capabilities.”
