Israel has delivered the first of two CAEW aircraft to Italy at a ceremony held at Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1). The CAEW- Conformal Airborne Early Warning & Control System, installed on the G-550 Gulfstream aircraft, is an early warning and air control system developed by IAI unit ELTA systems. The second aircraft included in the agreement will be delivered to the Italian Air Force during 2017. The aircraft are equipped with advanced mission systems including radar, electronic intelligence, self-defense and advanced communications systems to NATO standards.
Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) head Brig. Gen. (res) Dr. Daniel Gold said, "The system reflects the deep, fruitful collaboration between the Italian and Israeli ministries of defense. It's both sides understanding of the needs and challenges that stand before the other. In the framework of this agreement, one of the products of which we see here before us, the Italian government signed a reciprocal procurement agreement with the Israeli defense industries at a volume of over 4 billion NIS. This is a continuation of the procurement of 30 training aircraft for the [Israeli] Air Force, made in Italy. The cooperation is very substantial and significant to the Israeli industry, and allows for the development of advanced technologies to be used first and foremost by the IDF, and provides two warning aircraft with the worlds most advanced abilities."
IAI president & CEO Joseph Weiss said, "As part of the strengthening of our close relations with Italy and European industry, we are pleased to hand over the CAEW, one of IAI's most advanced systems, representing the next generation in Mission Aircraft, to the Italian Ministry of Defense. We are proud that this joint development program between IAI, Italian industry, and the Italian Ministry of Defense, has been highly successful and met the challenging schedule. We look forward to continuing this model of international cooperation with additional countries and customers."
The G-550 CAEW is a unique CAEW solution built on radar installed on the sides of the aircraft. The CAEW provides aerial and maritime situational awareness with 360-degree surveillance of airborne targets at all altitudes, over any terrain and in any weather conditions, including maritime surveillance and electronic surveillance. It can operate at long ranges with extended flight time.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 19, 2016
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