Systems and weapons developed in recent years by Israeli defense companies to protect the country's economic waters are now being offered to the navies of Asian countries in the framework of the IMDEX Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference, which opened yesterday in Singapore.
Eight Israeli defense companies, including large companies, such as Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT), Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI Systems), and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1), are displaying a wide variety of inventions and weapons adapted to current marine threats in the Israeli pavilion set up in the exhibition. "The challenges Israel faces in the marine theater are similar to those faced by Asian countries," Ministry of Defense International Defense Cooperation Authority (SIBAT) principal deputy director Paul Friedberg told "Globes." "The threats are of marine terrorism, which makes it more necessary to procure detection and intelligence systems, special cyber systems, and other tools."
The Ministry of Defense regards the systems developed in Israel to protect the natural gas platforms in the Mediterranean Sea as systems that meet the security needs of countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and others.
A defense source said, "There is a good reason why the model of defending Israel's economic waters developed by the Ministry of Defense and the defense companies is regarded as attractive in this market. In recent years, Israel has developed its relations with Asian countries, and they all recognize its technological advantage and operational experience in various aspects, among other things in the marine sphere - and they want to work with us."
Most of the systems displayed by companies from Israel in the framework of the exhibition in Singapore have already been sold to armies around the world, including the IDF. Some of the systems have undergone adjustments in recent years to facilitate their inclusion in naval warfare under attack and defense scenarios, for the defense of vessels, and for safeguarding shipping routes.
IMI's TRIGON
IMI is unveiling its new TRIGON rocket system for attacking land targets from the sea. The company says that it is providing the system's operators with precise attack capabilities against strategic targets from far out at sea, both along the coast and well inland, while providing support for ground forces in action.
The system is equipped with an advanced firing computer installed on warships. It includes a naval launcher that facilitates rocket fire against targets even under extreme conditions, such as heavy seas and sudden movements.
The system's launcher includes two packs of four rockets each, and IMI says that they are suitable for firing a variety of rockets at different ranges, depending on the operational needs during the fighting. At the same time, the company is displaying additional developments relating to naval warfare, including shore defense systems also based on a variety of precise rockets that the company has developed over the past decade.
IAI's Alpha
In Singapore, IAI is displaying its Advanced Lightweight Phased Array (ALPHA) radar developed by its Elta Systems subsidiary. This radar has been adapted for missile boats, and installation of it on IDF 4.5-class missile boats recently began. The system is capable of generating a large number of beams that simultaneously scan naval and airborne targets, and provide the user with a clear image at long ranges, while detecting and identifying targets and monitoring them. It has been integrated with various weapons systems, such as the Barak 8 naval defense system and others. Furthermore, at the exhibition, the company is also displaying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities developed in order to meet the emerging defense challenges at sea.
Elbit Systems' mini UAVs
In UAVs, Elbit System is displaying its new mini-UAV, the Skylark C, designed for tactical naval missions, such as short-range scouting flights. The UAV has observation capabilities, and is water-resistant.
The company is also displaying its Seagull multi-purpose unmanned vessel, which is suitable for anti-submarine warfare and neutralizing naval mines that threaten shipping routes and ports.
Rafael is displaying defense systems against torpedo missiles, naval communications systems, and electronic warfare systems, in addition to its "naval Iron Dome," which has been adapted to protect ships against missiles and attack by other ships. Among other things, the company is displaying its Protector unmanned vessel, designed for regular security missions. Several months ago, the company successfully completed a test firing of Spike missiles from the deck of this vessel.
Published by Globes [online], Israel Business News - www.globes-online.com - on May 17, 2017
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