Elbit contracted for Hermes UAV tech

HAIFA, Israel, July 7 (UPI) -- Israel-based Elbit Systems Ltd. has been awarded a $20 million contract for its Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

Under the deal, Elbit Systems will supply its Hermes 450 UAV Systems and accompanying ground systems technology to an unnamed European country.

The $20 million order for the Hermes UAVs, deployed in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan for reconnaissance and surveillance support, will be delivered in 2009.

"The new order is yet another link in the chain of successes in the marketing of the Hermes 450, building on the level of maturity the system has achieved," Haim Kellerman, Elbit Systems UAV division general manager, said in a statement.

"The Hermes 450 has well proved its capabilities and reliability over many years of operational performance. In light of the current high demand for the Hermes 450, and specifically the requirement for speedy delivery for operational needs, Elbit Systems' UAV division is prepared to meet the full range of customers' demands."