Major Australian defense company, ADI Limited and leading Israeli defense company, Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today they have signed a teaming agreement to bid for the Australian Department of Defence’s JP 129 contract to supply tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAV).
Project JP 129 seeks to provide the Australian Army with an airborne surveillance system for use in land operations.
“The ADI and Elbit team represents an excellent blend of experience and capabilities and we are intent on providing the customer with a low risk, high performance solution,” said ADI’s managing director, Mr. Lucio Di Bartolomeo.
Elbit manufactures a range of proven TUAVs of different sizes with different capabilities using a common ground control and data management facility. The Israeli company brings to the team, class leading Hermes advanced unmanned air vehicles and ground control stations.
ADI provides the capability to integrate Elbit’s TUAV system into the Australian operational environment through the use of mission system products and a deep understanding of the customer’s performance requirements.
“A key advantage for the team is the proven operational experience of Elbit’s TUAV system with the Israeli Defence Force,” Mr. Di Bartolomeo said.
“The team will also benefit from ADI’s experience on the Air 87 project won by Australian Aerospace to provide the Australian Army with armed reconnaissance helicopters.
“Our bid will reflect Elbit’s innovative design approach, state-of-the-art TUAV technologies and extensive experience in large scale TUAV systems.
“The ADI, Elbit solution will deliver a significant increase in the range of information available to the ADF and will ensure that it can be disseminated to all who need that information.”
The JP-129 program holds great potential for future TUAV related business in Australia.
A partnership of Elbit and Thales, a joint owner of ADI is one of two bidders short listed for a similar UK Department of Defence TUAV contract, Project Watchkeeper.
Success in Project Watchkeeper will provide alternative sub-systems which may be used to provide a system meeting all of the Australian requirements.
Elbit Systems Ltd. is engaged in a wide range of related-related programs throughout the world, in the area of aerospace, ground and naval systems, command, control, communication, computers and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR), electro-optics, security and services. The company focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new technologies for related applications.
ADI produces a range of related technologies and services to the Australian Department of Defence and to overseas related customers. The company has developed innovative products to support mission planning and data management within the Australian Department of Defence. This experience and capability forms the basis for integrating the Elbit Hermes platform into the Australian related environment.
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ADI and Elbit Systems Team for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Project
