The US Army is procuring more systems from Soltam Systems Ltd. for $15 million. The US Army has decided to buy Stryker infantry combat vehicles, built by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), equipped with Soltam Systems Ltd.’s Cardom 120mm mobile mortar system. The system will be used by brigade combat teams serving in Iraq.
Soltam announced today said this was the second order for the Cardom; the first $15 million order was received in 2004. The Cardom 120mm mortar system is a sophisticated deterrent that can be installed in wheeled vehicles and fired in any direction. The system combines modern electronic suits for automated operation.
The US Army Stryker program director said, “The system achieves unprecedented accuracy, enabling rapid response. It constitutes ‘pocket artillery’ that provides serious firepower for attacking forces.”
In a separate development, Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd. announced a $2.2 million order for lightweight ceramic infantry armor. The armor is based on unique technology developed by Rafael that creates body-shaped ceramic armor made from boron carbide, an especially hard material, in various sizes, but at competitive prices compared with those on the market. The boron carbide tiles, backed by polythene sheets, passed ballistic trials in Israel and abroad, as well as customers’ specifications.
Rafael designed the lightweight ceramic armor for troops, heavy vehicles, helicopters and other uses. Rafael predicts that the technology will create a breakthrough to new markets, and estimates tens of millions of dollars in sales.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on January 10, 2006