Elbit upgrading military communications

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HAIFA, Israel, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Israel's Ministry of Defense has contracted Elbit Systems Ltd. to supply and upgrade communications equipment for the Israeli military.

The department's project is valued at about $280 million, of which about half is designated for the supply of new communication systems over the next five years. The balance is to be applied to the upgrade and maintenance of existing systems over a 25-year period.

The military communications project is a ministry efficiency initiative, aimed at establishing a supply arrangement for advanced, operationally available and cost-effective communication systems.

"The project we are establishing is a part of the (Ministry of Defense's) initiative to outsource the revamping of the (military's) communications inventory in order to make it more efficient," Joseph Ackerman, president and chief executive officer of Elbit Systems said.

"We intend to leverage our extensive operational experience and know-how in performing similar outsourcing projects for customers worldwide, in order to provide the (Defense Ministry and military) with the most high quality and cost-effective communications solution.

"A key part of the project will be performed in a development area, as part of the Israeli government's policy to develop industries in the periphery, providing employment for dozens of local residents."