Israel's defense exports are projected to decline in 2015, but not to the extent expected by the defense company heads, who expressed concern that exports would fall to $4.5 billion, the lowest point in a decade, compared with $5.6 billion in 2014 and $6.5 billion in 2013.
Final figures for Israel's defense exports will be available only in March. Defense establishment sources said that several substantial deals by defense companies in late 2015 "had changed the picture."
Foreign Defense Assistance and Defense Export Organization (SIBAT) director Brigadier General (res.) Mishel Ben Baruch told "Globes" today, "We initially had very discouraging forecasts, but the way things look now, the numbers are better. We tightened our belts, took decisive and determined measures, and it now appears that the 2015 defense exports figures are not substantially less than those of the preceding year, and will certainly not be less than $5 billion. The figures are lower, but not dramatically so."
Airplane maintenance center in China
Ben Baruch is currently in Singapore, where one of the world's most prestigious defense exhibitions is taking place. Ministry of Defense director general General (res.) Dan Harel and department heads are also taking part in the exhibition.
11 Israeli defense companies are presenting their products and systems at the Singapore exhibition in an attempt to appeal to armies and defense agencies in Asian countries.
Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT) is launching a new automatic mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system for use by battalions and divisions for patrolling, miniature warfare, and protection of field units. The Skylark-3 UAV system can fly for up to 11 kilometers at 15,000 feet, and remain airborne for six hours. Elbit Systems says that the new UAV offers a broad range of improvements over other UAVs in the company's miniature UAV series. The new UAV's capabilities include the providing of high-resolution ground images. Its electric motor is very silent. "The ease of launching the new mini-UAV, its maneuvering ability, and its automatic control enable commanders in the field to orient themselves in their surroundings, and provide them with better defense of their forces. They are able to make better and faster decisions at low cost," said Elbit Systems unmanned aircraft system general manager Elad Aharonson.
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1) is unveiling new hovering arms developments in its pavilion, including its Harpy New Generation (NG) system, which is based on the earlier Harpy hovering system. The new generation of the system is designed to deal with the new and more up-to-date types of radar used in the air defense systems threatening airplanes. One of the main innovations in the new hovering system is an advanced guidance head and ignition system that substantially improve its flight range and power, and extend its cruising time until the appropriate time, when its explodes on target like an accurate missile. Another hovering UAV revealed by IAI in Singapore in its pavilion is Green Dragon, operated by a quiet electric engine, which can operate at ranges up to 40 kilometers.
"The new tactical products we are presenting will be used to enhance the capabilities of small infantry units performing special operations through a solution of the operational problems in urban areas," said IAI VP and Program Director for Air & Missile Defense Systems Boaz Levy.
In addition to the innovations in hovering weapons, IAI is also displaying an innovative center for intelligence control and gathering using UAVs, advanced radar, etc.
The company recently declared the establishment of a civilian aircraft maintenance center in China in cooperation with a local company, According to IAI CEO Joseph Weiss, this agreement signals the company's intention to deepen its civil aviation activity in China and other Asian countries: "We recognize the great potential of the Asian market, and will continue our efforts to spot opportunities for cooperation, mergers, and acquisitions in the continent," Weiss said.
A coastal defense system
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is unveiling new capabilities of its Spider aerial defense system in Singapore. The system is being displayed on a wheeled armored vehicle from which Python 5 and Derby interceptor missiles can be fired at enemy aircraft. Rafael is also displaying a marine version of its Iron Dome anti-rocket system, which can defend marine facilities by firing Iron Dome interceptors from warships.
Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI) will display a coastal defense system based on long-range rockets with accuracy of 10 meters from the target. The system uses launchers, radar, and UAVs to provide complete information about the marine threat, and makes it possible to launch accurate missiles to destroy the threat when it is many kilometers from the coast. IMI has already sold the new system to a foreign country, and the company reports that other foreign armies are also interested.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 15, 2016
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