HAIFA, Israel, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Australian defense officials have contracted Israel-based Elbit Systems (NASDAQ:ESLT) Ltd. for the company's Skylark I unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

Under the follow-on contract, Elbit Systems will supply the Australian army with its mini-UAV Skylark I systems. The new contract adds to Elbit Systems' existing deal with the Australian army from 2005.

The Skylark contract is part of an Australian Ministry of Defense initiative to support troops with additional surveillance capabilities. Officials say the mini-UAV system offers day and night surveillance options with more than nine miles of range in combat zones.

"Australia's decision to equip its army with an additional set of Skylark I UAV systems underscores recognition of the UAV systems' capabilities and added value to soldiers in active war zones," Haim Kellerman, Elbit Systems UAS division executive vice president and general manager, said in a statement.