Israeli defense firms play key role at Paris Air Show

Ya’alon: Little Israel is appearing here as a power.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
DEFENSE MINISTER Moshe Ya’alon cuts the ribbon 370 (photo credit: Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)
DEFENSE MINISTER Moshe Ya’alon cuts the ribbon 370
(photo credit: Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)
Innovations by Israeli defense firms are featuring prominently at this year’s Paris Air Show, which began on Monday and attracted delegates from the aerospace industry around the world.
The air show, held in the Paris suburb of Le Bourget, includes an exhibit by Elbit Systems EW (Electronic Warfare) and Sigint-Elisra of a system designed to protect drones from electronic warfare attacks.
Elbit said the system, called SPS-65V5, is based on the “vast experience” of the Israeli manufacturers in installing systems on fighter jets, combat helicopters and utility aircraft. Such systems are currently being used by the Israel Air Force and foreign air forces, Elbit added.
“The increased global use of UAS [unmanned aircraft systems] is accompanied by a growing demand for survivability capabilities for these platforms, enabling protection of both the mission and the platform itself, as well as the unique and valuable sensors carried on board,” Elisra general manager Edgar Maimon said.
“The range of sensors included in this new protection system will also contribute to and enhance the UAS’ intelligence gathering capabilities,” he added.
Another system on display at the Paris Air Show is Israel Aerospace Industry’s TaxiBot, a semi-robotic, pilot-controlled vehicle that transports commercial planes from airport gates to runways.
The TaxiBot began a process of preparation and certification at Frankfurt Airport this month, IAI said.
Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, speaking at the Paris Air Show on Monday, said, “We have things to contribute to the world. Defense industries contribute to the IDF and to the defense community, and of course, they contribute to the economy. I know how to appreciate the industry’s contribution to the IDF; [it provides] very high capabilities that allow us to maintain a qualitative and technological advantage, and deterrence.”
The defense minister praised the workforce behind Israel’s defense industries, describing them as “a source of pride.”
“The small State of Israel is appearing here at the air show as a power. We are not a rich country and we are a threatened country. I hope we will succeed in safeguarding the things that result in defense industry achievements,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Israel, Elbit Systems carried out a test flight of an El Al Boeing 737 equipped with an infrared system designed to protect airliners against shoulder-launched missiles.
The system, called C-Music (commercial multi-spectral infrared countermeasure), disrupts missiles fired at aircraft, causing them to veer off course by transmitting a laser beam.
Separately, IAI announced this week the participation of its medium-altitude Heron drone in a series of successful flight exercises in Spain, designed to test the integration of unmanned aerial systems into civilian air traffic