$455 in contracts given to support Israel

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HAIFA, Israel, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- About $455 million in contracts has been given for the supply of warfare systems and logistical support to the Israeli military.

Elbit Systems Ltd., an Israeli company, won the lion's share of the contracts -- $315 million from the Ministry of Defense -- for work in avionics, unmanned systems, electronic warfare, electro-optics and land systems.

Under an award for avionics, Elbit will supply battle management systems and avionics for helicopters, virtual training for the Israeli air force's fighter aircraft array and operation and maintenance services for the air force's Flight Academy for six years.

Another award covers supplying Israel with Hermes 900 unmanned aircraft systems over a period of three years. Elbit will also provide maintenance services for the aircraft for eight years.

Electronic warfare systems for F-15 and F-16 fighter aircraft -- and for the navy's Missile Vessels -- will be supplied over the next four years under another contract, while electro-optic observation and long-range target acquisition systems will be supplied to Israeli forces over a three-year period.

Elbit said the supply of Cardom electronic and mortar artillery systems over a six-year period rounds out the contracts received.

The other beneficiary of Israeli defense contracts is Alenia Aermacchi, which received a $140 million contract from Elbit Systems for its share of logistics support services for 30 Alenia Aermacchi M-346I advanced trainer aircraft ordered by the Israeli Ministry of Defense last year.

The services, which include supply, maintenance and overhaul of spare parts for 30 Israeli M-346, will be performed jointly with Elbit Systems.

The M-346Is are to replace A-4 Skyhawks used by the Israeli air force. Deliveries are to begin next year.