Romanian Minister of Defense Angel Tilvar met with Elbit Systems President and CEO Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis to sign a purchase order to supply the first three of maximum seven Watchkeeper X tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) under the framework contract signed in December 2022.
Under the purchase order, Elbit Systems will provide upgraded WatchKeeper X tactical UAS with advanced capabilities including the Spectro XR⢠multi-spectral electro-optical payload, new communication capabilities and others.
The Spectro XR⢠multi-spectral electro-optical payloads is a leap forward in complex intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities. Suitable for today’s operational complexity, lightweight payload system is designed for day-and-night and weather extended-range surveillance. It also provides continuous target scanning capabilities for enhanced situational awareness.
The Watchkeeper X dual-payload tactical UAS is the UK export variant of the British Army manufactured by U-TacS, Elbit Systems’ UK subsidiary in cooperation with Thales, and is a derivative of the Hermes UAS family. The Watchkeeper X is compatible with NATO standards enabling essential interoperability with NATO and other allied forces.
As part of the purchase order, Elbit will transfer technology, establish infrastructure and industrial cooperation with Aerostar and Elbit Systems subsidiaries in Romania to produce the platform and ground control station in Romania and maintenance operations during the life cycle of the system.
Elbit Systems intends to cooperate with local industry and create local employment opportunities that will build strong, sustainable partnerships to enable the delivery of high-quality products and contribute to the local and regional economy.Â
Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace: “We welcome this partnership with Romania and their trust in our solutions. We also appreciate the continued support and collaboration with the Israeli and UK governments and our business partners on the Watchkeeper program. The ongoing research and development we are investing in the Watchkeeper platform will enhance the capabilities of both the Romanian and British Armed forces to meet evolving operational requirements. This purchase order highlights the strong and growing relationship between Elbit Systems and Romania and illustrates the increased interest in our UAS platforms from countries across Europe and NATO.”
About Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (“C4ISR”), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, signal intelligence systems, data links and communications systems, radios, cyber-based systems and munitions. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.
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