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Israel invests $40 million in cutting-edge drone technology

“These acquisitions ensure that troops can optimally execute their battlefield missions,” said Brig. Gen. Yehuda Almakias.

An Israel Defense Force soldier from the Sky Rider unit participates in a drill at the Tze'elim army base, Aug. 5, 2013. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90.
An Israel Defense Force soldier from the Sky Rider unit participates in a drill at the Tze’elim army base, Aug. 5, 2013. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90.

The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it had purchased $40 million-worth of advanced drones and autonomous systems from Haifa-based Elbit Systems Ltd.

Jointly developed by the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), the Israel Defense Forces ground forces and Elbit, the new systems feature advanced capabilities and are engineered to support a range of missions, from precise intelligence gathering to targeted strikes.

“These acquisitions ensure that troops can optimally execute their battlefield missions. The DDR&D will continue maintaining Israel’s technological battlefield superiority and supporting the current war efforts,” said Brig. Gen. Yehuda Almakias, head of the DDR&D’s research and development department.

“Contracts such as these demonstrate the increasing confidence in Elbit’s innovative Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) technology in general, and especially our unique drone capabilities,” said Haim Delmar, executive vice president and general manager for C4i and Cyber at Elbit Systems.

“We are dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient systems with advanced capabilities for enhanced battlefield dominance and operational control. Through continuous innovation and operational excellence, we consistently develop and provide sophisticated solutions that address our customers’ evolving operational requirements,” Delmar said.

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