Israel and the US are about to launch a joint industrial venture for upgrading M-113 Bardelass armored personnel carriers (APCs), the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) workhorse. Outgoing IDC Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Moshe Yaalon shelved the plan to procure US-manufactured Stryker vehicles, the “Defense News” weekly reports.
IDF officers wanted to include the Stryker, which has enhanced maneuverability, in their plans, but Yaalon decided that the Stryker’s estimated $1 million price tag per vehicle, and the need to provide it with additional armor, special weapons systems, and other equipment, would wreak havoc in the defense budget.
Meanwhile, as an alternative, the IDF is planning to upgrade some its land forces’ 8,000 M113s. 50 APCs will be upgraded in the first stage, at a cost of $18 million. US aid will pay for most of the cost, since a US company will carry out some of the upgrading in the US, an essential condition for using US aid money in the project.
Israel Military Industries (IMI) is the chief contractor for the project, and RAFAEL Armament Development Authority Ltd. will also participate. California-based United Defense Industries will head the US team. The plan for the joint venture includes production of improved engines, tire tracks, and steering systems at facilities in the US. Final assembly will be carried out at the IMI Slavin Plant in Ramat Hasharon.
IMI and RAFAEL will supply advanced armor systems for the upgraded APCs. These kits will be installed with technical assistance from AOB Technologies, a small Netanya-based company.
IMI president and CEO Dr. Ehud (Udi) Ganani said that the upgraded APCs were slated for delivery in mid-2006. Only 50 APCs have been approved so far. Any additional upgrades will require the approval of incoming IDF Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Dan Haloutz, who will take up his post in June.
IDF and defense industry sources said that the joint APC upgrade venture had been given priority for quick financing, following two terrorist attacks in the Gaza Strip in May 2004. Two IDF APCs were blown up in separate attacks that killed eleven IDF soldiers.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on May 24, 2005