The Israeli defence forces ground forces command has issued a tender for mini frontline unmanned air vehicles to provide field commanders with an "over-the-hill" intelligence capability.
Israeli and USUAV manufacturers have responded. The list of Israeli manufacturers includes the Malat division of Israel Aircraft Industries, Elbit Systems' Silver Arrow division and, for the first time, Rafael, which has joined forces with Aeronautics.
The requirement is based on operational lessons and calls for a simple, low-cost UAV that will be launched by frontline units to gather real-time intelligence.
US manufacturers will have to co-operate with a local company. Such a link will allow the defence forces to fund the deal through the US Foreign Military Sales system.
Source: Flight International
