Jan 20 2011
Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT) ("Elbit Systems") announced today that its Brazilian subsidiary, Aeroeletronica Ltda. ("AEL"), was awarded a contract to supply Hermes(R) 450 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to the Brazilian Air Force. The contract is not in an amount that is material to Elbit Systems.
This project is a part of the Brazilian Air Forces' objective to establish independent UAS capabilities, allowing for self-reliant operation and development of UAS in Brazil. Located in Porto Alegre in southern Brazil, AEL performs a variety of projects for the Brazilian Air Force, as well as other branches of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
Hermes(R) 450 is an experienced and mature UAS that has, to date, accumulated over 200,000 operational flight hours in various arenas worldwide. Its capabilities are suitable both for homeland security and anti-terror missions, and it can be equipped with a variety of advanced sensors, according to customers' requirements. As part of the development of the Brazilian Air Forces' future UAS, AEL will utilize technological capabilities of its parent company, Elbit Systems, and will also work with local Brazilian industries.
Joseph Ackerman, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, commented: "We are extremely proud of the Brazilian Air Force's selection of Elbit Systems UAS, a decision that marks yet another significant milestone in AEL's long-time collaboration with the Air Force. The Brazilian Air Force is considered a global leader, and the selection attests to the quality and maturity of our UAS, currently operational with more than 20 customers worldwide." Ackerman added: "We hope this new project will further strengthen the cooperation between AEL and the Brazilian Air Force, as well as other Brazilian customers, and will be an incentive for future collaborations."