Sources inform “Globes” that the IDF is interested in procuring the "Future Combat Systems" under development by Boeing (NYSE:BA). A Boeing delegation displayed the technology in Israel this week. The US Army will deploy the system by the end of the decade.
The Future Combat Systems is designed to provide combat forces with all the pertinent information about the field of operations. The information comes from air reconnaissance, including unmanned aerial vehicles, spy planes, and satellites, and from ground sensors.
The system is designed to improve the army's combat efficiency, enabling frontline units to independently meet a range of threats.
Boeing SVP and BSCG CEO James F. Albaugh held several working meetings this week with Israeli government officials and defense companies' representatives.
Sources at Elul, which represents Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Division in Israel, told "Globes" today that Israeli defense companies were scheduled to participate in the project. "Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), Rafael , and Elbit Systems (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE:ESLT) are all capable of supplying the project advanced technologies and scientific applications."
Boeing recently added 15 new international partners that will coordinate the activities of 70 companies contributing technologies to the project. Future Combat Systems will cost $15 billion to develop.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on August 5, 2003