Three Israeli defence companies have formed an organisation to improve their status in Europe's research and development programmes. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems and Rafael have established Aeronautics and Space Industries of Israel (ASII), which other Israeli defence companies are expected to join.
Industry sources say ASII is intended to give Israel's aerospace industry more weight in Europe, where organisations such as ASD can influence the funding of co-operative research and development programmes.
In recent years, Israeli aerospace companies have won European R&D funds, but through ASII they hope to improve their position on future programmes.
The presidency of ASII will be rotated among the chief executives of the three founding companies. Moshe Keret of IAI will be president for the next two years.
Source: Flight International
