Elbit selected by Israel for Skylark UAVs

HAIFA, Israel, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The Israeli Ministry of Defense has selected Elbit Systems to support Israeli battalions with the company's mini-unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

Israel-based defense contractor Elbit was selected by the Defense Ministry to supply its Skylark I LE UAV as part of an initiative to equip every Ground Forces battalion in the Israel Defense Forces with mini-UAVs.

Elbit's Skylark, also deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, was selected by the Defense Ministry after the technology passed a rigid evaluation process.

Officials say the Israel Defense Forces' procurement project, which also includes training and logistics support from Elbit, is expected to be worth several million dollars. However, an exact contract figure was not released.

"We take great pride in being selected by the Ministry of Defense for this important Israel Defense Forces project," Haim Kellerman, Elbit Systems UAV division general manager, said in a statement.

"This selection attests to the acknowledgment of this UAV's professional maturity and unique capabilities, and strengthens our position as a leading UAV supplier in Israel and worldwide."