Fighting Fire from The Heavens

Only a handful of nations across the globe would entrust a task of utmost national importance to a “pure” private sector company. “Elad”, an exceptional firefighting squadron developed by Elbit Systems, is undoubtedly a unique case.

The “Elad” squadron was established in 2011 as an IAF (Israeli air force) unit at the former Sde-Dov airbase in Tel-Aviv, initially known as the 249th squadron. Its rapid formation was a direct response to the lessons drawn from the Carmel Forest Fire Disaster of 2010.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu tasked the IAF with developing a firefighting squadron, recognizing their exceptional capability to successfully carry out the mission. Soon after, Elbit Systems also joined the effort,” recalls Eran, the second commander of the 249th squadron and the manager of the current firefighting unit at Elbit Systems.

Ready All-Year-Round

This underscored an exceptional bond between the company and the country. “We view this as a genuine form of Zionism. Assuming such a responsibility is undoubtedly challenging. Yet, our team is so dedicated to the safety of the Israeli public that they consider it a privilege to be part of this endeavor.”

After establishing its infrastructure and demonstrating its operational capabilities, the squadron transitioned from the IAF to become part of Elbit Systems’ firefighting unit. The personnel within the company’s firefighting unit bring extensive experience as former IAF pilots, with numerous hours dedicated to aerial fire extinguishing operations.

“When a forest ignites, we could receive a call from the police operations room requesting immediate takeoff,” Eran elaborates. “We maintain four planes on standby, ready to deploy within 15 minutes throughout the year. This strategic readiness enables us to swiftly reach virtually any location in the country”.

During the summer and early fall, the number of planes on standby is occasionally even doubled.

When The Neighbors Call for Help

The firefighting force of the “Elad” squadron comprised several planes, all procured, serviced, and operated by Elbit Systems’ employees. Among these some planes are stationed at Kedma airfield, providing coverage for the southern region of the country. The remaining planes are based at Megiddo airfield, safeguarding the northern areas and the Golan Heights.

Firefighting planes stand as a modern strategy for averting large-scale forest fires. “Almost every month, you’ll come across headlines reporting another country grappling with wildfires – be it in Hawaii, Canada, Australia, Cyprus, and more,” Eran explains. “We’re occasionally called upon to aid other nations in tackling their forest fires.”

How does the firefighting plane, the distinctive yellow AT-802F Fire Boss, strategically positioned above the high-risk zones, effectively curtail the spread of fires or even quench them?

Eran: “Each aircraft carries around 3,000 liters of liquid, including water, foam, or fire retardant. The decision whether the planes should directly suppress the flames or primarily aid in restricting their progression to areas closer to civilians lies with the ground firefighters.”

“We leave nothing to chance”

Eran emphasizes that the Elad squadron provides the Israeli Ministry of Public Security with a decisive advantage. “The fusion of escalating temperatures – a direct result of ongoing global climate change – and the prevailing eastern winds in Israel can pose significant threats, occasionally even life-threatening ones,” he states.

“We leave nothing to chance in terms of readiness, particularly during those crucial periods of the year when fire incidents become more frequent. There are instances when our aircraft are simultaneously engaged in multiple locations.”

Eran highlights that each fire incident is subsequently examined to ensure that all parties draw the appropriate conclusions for continuous improvement. “Given our origins within the IAF, this approach is ingrained in our DNA. We’re committed to being the best and enhancing ourselves, not only in terms of operational efficiency but also in the technical and technological facets of our work,” he concludes.

Over the past 12 years since the establishment of the Elad Squad, its team has achieved a level of expertise that enables them to undertake ambitious initiatives in safeguarding Israelis against forest fires. However, it would not have been the same without the support provided by Elbit Systems’, personnel fusing their knowledge and abilities into this significant project.

The content of the article does not constitute business or financial information about Elbit Systems Ltd. (the “Company”) and is not intended to be a basis for making investment decisions in the Company’s securities. In order to obtain business or financial information about the Company, please refer to the reports and filings that the Company regularly publishes on the website of the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (EDGAR) and on the notification system of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (Maya). 

The article may contain forward-looking statements such as estimates, forecasts, estimates, plans, etc. that refer to future events that are considered forward-looking information as defined under the securities laws of Israel and the United States. There is no certainty that such information will be realized, in whole or in part, and the actual result may differ from what was presented in the article, among other things due to its dependence on external factors that are not under the control of the Company and that cannot be evaluated in advance. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s estimates at the time of publication, and the Company has no obligation to update or correct this data.