Sources inform “Globes” that Israel Aircraft Industries’ (IAI) Flight Guard anti-missile system for civilian airliners has passed the development stage and is currently being installed on El Al (TASE: ELAL) passenger jets.
In recent weeks, El Al purchased the first systems from IAI subsidiary Elta Electronic Industries. Initial installation of the system on El Al’s Boeing 767s is expected to end within two months. The Ministry of Defense, which will pay for the purchase of the new systems, has budgeted NIS 6 million for El Al’s first purchases. The estimated cost of one system is several hundred thousand dollars, which means that two systems will probably be installed initially.
The Elta defense system has been installed on 160 planes in 12 countries in recent years. Among other things, the system has been installed on Israel Air Force Blackhawk helicopters, cargo planes all around the world, and jets for VIPs and heads of state.
The main push for the civilian system came after the Al Qaida’s unsuccessful attempt to shoot down an Arkia Airlines passenger plane taking off from Mombassa Airport in Kenya in November 2002. Following the attempt, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered the Ministry of Defense to adapt the military defense system for passenger planes. Installation of the first operational system is taking place 18 months after development began.
Israel’s defense industries foresee great potential for defense systems in the civil aviation market. Elisra Electronic Systems is developing a system similar to that of Elta. Defense sources believe, that after approval is obtained from the civil aviation authorities, dozens of airlines will order the system.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on February 15, 2004