ISRAEL 
HIGH-TECH & INVESTMENT REPORT

from the November 2010 issue


Defense Industries Soar!

Hardly unnoticed, was the recent announcement, that Russia has entered into an agreement with Israel to buy $70m worth of UAVs. Israel's arms export to Russia goes back many years when eagle-eyed observers noticed Israeli tank cannons during a parade in Moscow. It was part of a secret arms deal engineered by the late businessman Shaul Eisenberg. China also became a client but the United States forbade the exports because American know-how was included.

The history of Israel's military industries goes back to the late 1960s when General Charles de Gaulle embargoed arms exports to Israel in the aftermath of the Six Day War. The Israeli victory angered Charles de Gaulle. The embargo was responsible for the birth of Israel's high-tech industries.

Today India is the foremost buyer of Israel's defense goods. The largest item was India's purchase of Phalcon early warning planes from Israel Aircraft Industries. The range of goods is wide. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles also have been a particular favorite of many nations. Aeronautical parts are also in demand.

Israel's missiles
Missiles are an important component of Israel's arms exports. Ballistic Missiles: Israel fields an arsenal of nuclear-capable Jericho missiles, which are based on French technology and road- and rail-mobile. The Jericho-1 was first deployed in the early 1970s and the 1,500 kilometer-range Jericho-2 followed in 1990. Israel's space-launch capability indicates it could develop a missile with intercontinental reach. Cruise Missiles: Israel has purchased U.S.-origin Harpoon cruise missiles with a range of 120 kilometers. Reports suggest that Israel has modified the Harpoon system to deliver nuclear payloads. It also is believed to have indigenously developed a submarine-launched cruise missile system with a range of up to 900 kilometers.

Integrated pilots' helmet
A special favorite are helmets. DASH was the company's first integrated helmet mounted display and sight system, already operating with over 500 aircraft such as F-15, F-18, F-5 and MiG-21.

DASH is measuring the pilot's line of sight (LOS), slaving missiles and sensors to the target; DASH also brings displays to the pilot's eye-level and informs the pilot of target location, while integrating all modes of operation with Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) controls.

Israel's arms exports are likely to grow, as it is an excellent outlet for the country's electronic expertise.



Reprinted from the Israel High-Tech & Investment Report November 2010

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