Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT) will supply Skylark I mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems to France's Special Forces, after winning a tender involving ten top UAV manufacturers worldwide. This is Elbit Systems' first UAV contract with France. Market sources estimate the contract to be worth several million dollars.
Elbit Systems VP and general manager UAV Division Haim Kellerman said that there is a worldwide growing demand for UAVs for Special Forces, counter-terrorism units, border security, and sensitive facilities protection units. He added that France's selection of the Skylark attests to its ability to meet the sophisticated challenges of the modern battle field, and that the company considers the contract as a milestone in entering the French market and that it will be followed by further agreements with European NATO member countries.
The Skylark is a mini-UAV, with a man-pack configuration designed for day and night observation and data collection over-the-hill up to distances of ten kilometers. The Skylark is equipped with an exceptionally quiet electric motor, totally autonomous flight and outstanding observation capabilities allowing for easy operation and orientation. The system can be launched by soldiers after a brief training period.
Elbit System noted that the IDF operated Skylarks during the 2006 Second Lebanon War for combat sorties and that they UAVs supplied valuable intelligence data to the ground forces. Coalition forces are operating the Skylark in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 24, 2008
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