Embraer, Elbit subsidiary enter UAV market

QADIMA, Israel, April 14 (UPI) -- Brazil's Embraer Defense and Security division and AEL Sistemas, a subsidiary of Israel's Elbit Systems, are partnering for the UAV market in Latin America.

Defense Update, an Israeli publication, said the two companies have yet to define the specific programs to be pursued, but officials from the two companies said a main goal of the partnering agreement is expanding joint activities in the area of unmanned aircraft systems, including the anticipated creation of a jointly owned company.

One of the primary goals of the joint venture would be to promote the introduction and use of Elbit Systems' Hermes 450 UAV in the service of the Brazilian air force.

"This cooperation with Embraer will leverage new business opportunities and enhance Brazilian know-how in the development and manufacture of unmanned systems, offering latest generation technology in order to meet the specific demands and needs of our country," said Shlomo Erez, director general of AEL.

"The agreement foresees the evaluation of joint activities in marketing, development, systems integration, manufacturing and support of UAS, as well as in simulators and activities for the modernization of avionics systems, and the anticipated participation of Embraer Defesa e Seguranca in the capital of AEL."

Embraer also announced a cooperative agreement with Brazil-based UAV specialist company Santos Lab. The agreement is aimed at establishing foothold in the area of small UAVs.