Israel marks record defense exports in 2010
By YAAKOV KATZ
The Jerusalem Post - 06/16/2011 02:03
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Israeli industries noted a record on Wednesday in defense exports, reaching an unprecedented $7.2 billion in comparison to $6.9b. in 2009, the Defense Ministry announced ahead of the Paris Air Show, which opens next week.
Israel is believed to be one of the world’s top four exporters of arms with specializations in the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles, mini satellites, command-and-control systems, armored vehicles and the refurbishment of various types of commercial and military aircraft.
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Brig.-Gen. (res.) Shmaya Avieli, head of SIBAT, the Defense Ministry’s Foreign Defense Assistance and Defense Export Department, expressed satisfaction with the financial results for 2010 but said Israel is still facing a number of challenges due to the continued global economic crisis and the expected coalition withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We recognize the challenges but are working hard to maintain the level we are currently at and even to increase it,” Avieli said on Wednesday.
In total, Israeli defense companies sold $9.6b. worth of military hardware in 2010, out of which $2.4b. went to the IDF. In recent years, defense industries have invested in establishing joint ventures and partnerships in South America, Asia and South Korea.
Fifteen Israeli companies will set up exhibits at the air show, including a number of small and medium-sized companies that will be in Paris for the first time. SIBAT recently established a new “small business” division aimed at assisting smaller Israeli companies to break into the international defense market.
The Iron Dome counter-rocket defense system will be one of the main attractions in the Israeli pavilion. The Iron Dome succeeded in intercepting nine Kassam and Katyusha rockets fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel in April.
Defense Ministry director-general Udi Shani said the Iron Dome’s success served as potential for new growth in future exports.
Paris Air Show to Feature Top Israeli Technology
Sivan 13, 5771, 15 June 11 11:17
by David Lev
(Israelnationalnews.com) If it's June, it must be time for La Bourget – the Paris Air Show, one of the most important showcases for military, defense, and aviation products and developments. This year marks the 49th anniversary of the show, which begins June 20, and Israel will, once again, put on display some of the groundbreaking defensive and weapons systems developed here.
Two of the most exciting products coming out of Israel this year – and, observers said, two of the most exciting products to be on display at the show altogether – are the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system, and the Trophy “Windjacket” active protection system for light and heavy armored fighting vehicles.
The Iron Dome system, already being successfully deployed in southern Israel, was developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and was designed to intercept short-range missiles fired by Hamas terrorists at Israeli towns and villages. The version to be unveiled at the Paris show can be mounted on trucks, allowing it to redeploy at different positions quickly. The Trophy system intercepts and destroys missiles and rockets fired at tanks and armored vehicles with a shotgun-like blast. This system, too was developed by Rafael, in coordination with IAI's Elta Group, and was successfully deployed for the IDF earlier this year.
Other products and technologies on display will include Israel Aircraft Industry's MLGB (Medium-weight Laser Guided Bomb), an advanced laser/GPS-guided long-range projectile with a 115 kg warhead, said to be highly accurate and providing rapid point-and-shoot capabilities from fighter jets and light planes. IAI will also be showing its AD-STAR (Air Defense and Air Traffic Control Radar) 3D portable radar system used for air defense, early warning, and air traffic-control purposes.
Also on display will be the latest developments for Rafael's popular Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missile series, in use by 20 countries around the world and considered among the most accurate missiles in the world, as well as new versions of the SPYDER anti-aircraft missile system.
Representing Rafael at the show will be Rafael Board Chairman Ilan Biran, and CEO Yediya Ya'ari.
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