The unmanned aviations vehicles (UAVs) may be used in an attack on Iraq. Israel Military Industries expects to sell $80 million worth of UAVs in the next two years.
Hebrew daily ''Yediot Ahronot'' reports that the US has accelerated its procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Israel Military Industries (IMI). The UAVs are used to counter anti-aircraft defenses. IMI's Rocket Systems Division is currently completing the delivery of 200 of these UAVs, worth $35 million. If they are delivered to the US Navy before the attack on Iraq starts, it can be assumed the navy's F-18 strike jets will use them extensively. IMI expects to sell $80 million worth of UAVs in the next two years.
IMI deputy CEO and Rocket Systems Division director Meir Landis said more than $50 million worth of UAVs have been delivered to the US Navy to date. A new model UAV, equipped with more accurate guidance systems, is currently under development.
IMI is also upgrading older UAV models. The new production model is equipped with GPS navigation systems and has better anti-aircraft counter capabilities.
IMI is the exclusive manufacturer of this system. The UAVs are launched from aircraft to create false targets on enemy radar screens. The US Navy launched 200 of IMI's UAVs against Iraqi anti-aircraft batteries during the 1991 Gulf War.
Landis said IMI expects to deliver $40 million worth of UAVs to the US Navy in the next two years. Several NATO countries also intend to buy the system. These sales are estimated at over $40 million.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on October 8, 2002