Finding the Lost in the Fog of War
Inside Elbit Systems’ Search and Rescue line of business, where decades of engineering meet the split-second urgency of life-or-death missions.
When a pilot ejects from a burning cockpit or a life raft drifts into hostile waters, there’s no room for doubt. The only thing that matters is being located – securely and fast. That’s where Elbit Systems’ Search and Rescue (SAR) solutions come in – not built for routine operations, but for the critical moments when everything has already gone wrong.
This is a mission profile that leaves no margin for error. And for Doron, Marketing Director of Elbit Systems’ SAR solutions, it’s personal. “I’ve been working on these systems for over 20 years,” he says. “In my previous role at the company I was actively involved in the development of radio solutions including the PRC-648. So, when I meet customers today, I’m not just selling a radio, I aim to provide them with in-depth knowledge and insights. They value this expertise which serves as significant advantage in our interactions, it’s fair to say — with humility — that we’ve become something of a brand. We are amongst the leaders in the global market, both in terms of the maturity and reliability of our products, and in our deep understanding of each customer’s operational needs.”
Elbit’s SAR solutions – including the flagship PRC-648 – are deployed in over 17 countries and used by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, India’s armed forces, additional countries across the Far east, and leading European militaries. With more than 50,000 units sold worldwide, the numbers speak not just to commercial success, but to operational trust.
SAR mission – end to end solution
While other manufacturers' solutions are focused either on personal locators or airborne locators – not both, Elbit Systems covers the full spectrum. “We are one of the only companies today that offer both PLBs (Personal Locator systems) and ALS (airborne locator systems,” says Doron. “That’s a major advantage. Technologically and operationally, we understand the entire rescue chain.”
Peacetime and Combat, Seamlessly Combined
Most SAR technologies are designed to provide solutions for peacetime (non-combat) or combat scenarios, the PMB-30 (Personal Modular Beacon) was built to bridge these two worlds. It supports COSPAS-SARSAT international protocols for non-combat missions, allowing global geolocation and distress signaling over open channels. But its combat features go even further – offering encrypted, covert communication accessible only to authorized rescuers.
This dual functionality isn’t accidental – it stems from years of collaboration with both regulators and frontline users.
And the innovation doesn’t stop there. “We recently registered a new patent in Israel and the U.S. for a hidden signaling channel,” Doron reveals. “It can’t be detected by adversaries, giving our forces another layer of operational security – without adding complexity.”
Built for the Worst-Case Scenario
A rescue radio is only as good as its reliability in a crisis. Elbit’s SAR devices activate automatically or remotely – triggered by parachute deployment, water contact, or seat ejection. Engineered to withstand water, impacts, and extreme pressure including an innovative solution for submarine use up to 200 meters deep. This rugged design is matched by long battery life, secure data transmission, and modular configurations tailored to a wide range of missions – from pilots and submariners to special forces and life raft crews.
Looking ahead, Elbit plans to launch its new PMB variant in the near future – raising the bar for SAR performance even higher.
Field-Proven and Battle-Tested
Since 2018, Elbit has been the sole supplier of SAR radios to both the U.S. Navy and Air Force – a position built on trust as much as performance. “Our level of operational experience is both leading and dominant,” says Doron.
In many cases, we are the ones defining the market and shaping the solutions for years to come. This is not only a great source of pride, but also a true privilege. At the end of the day, our systems contribute to real life saving scenarios." It’s an edge Elbit doesn’t take for granted. As competitors invest to catch up, the company continues to double down – leveraging customer insight, global regulatory engagement, and field-driven R&D to stay ahead.
“This isn’t just a product line – it’s a commitment,” says Doron. “When lives are on the line, ‘good enough’ isn’t enough. You need the system that’s already proven itself when it mattered most.”
