Israeli Defense Industry Reporting Successes

Arutz Sheva - IsraelNationalNews ^ | 1/2/6 | Ezra HaLevi

[SmithL]

Israel’s defense industry is booming, with the Merkava tank project and the US Navy’s purchase of Israeli decoy systems.

The US Congress has just approved a $17 million budget for the US Navy for further procurement of the Improved Tactical Air-Launched Decoy (ITALD) systems from Israel Military Industries (IMI).

Tactical Air-Launched Decoys are intended to confuse and saturate enemies’ air defenses, allowing attacking aircraft a higher probability of penetrating the target. The air-launched decoy appears as a real target on enemy radar screens. By replicating fighter aircraft, ITALDs suppress enemy missile effectiveness and support air-to-surface missions while assuring mission success, crew safety and aircraft survivability. The systems were exclusively developed and produced by IMI's Maltam Advanced Systems Division.

IMI has been supplying the US Navy with ITALDs for a decade and the approval ensures regular production until at least the end of 2008. Order from the Navy now total more than $100 million and IMI is in the process of developing an even more advanced model.

IMI is reporting success on one of its other major projects - the Merkava tank program. Globes reported that exports of Merkava tank systems rose by 10% in 2005, to $200 million.

The number of Israelis working on the project was expanded by 5% (250 workers) to 4,760 over the past year – mostly in the area of R&D and engineering. Five thousands additional workers are employed indirectly as a result of the Merkava project – 90% of them in developing areas of the country, according to Globes.

A 50% increase in exports of Merkava tank systems to $300 million and the hiring of 2,000 more workers are projected by the Manufacturers Association for 2006.

[SmithL]

Like their very existence depends on it.

[RoadTest]

(A Psalm of David) "Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight, my goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me." - Psalm 144:1

Their existence DOES depend on becoming EXPERT at defense!