Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems was founded in 1966 by Elron Electronic Industries (TASE ELRN), which combined the existing expertise within the Israel Ministry of Defense-Research Institute in special computer design with Elron's experience in electronic product design, manufacture and management (initially under the name Elbit Computers). Elbit steadily expanded developing and producing logistic-support weapon delivery and navigation systems for most Israeli aircraft, establishing a combat avionics package for the IAI Lavi fighter aircraft, and producing a fire-control system for the Merkava tank.[3]

In 1996, Elbit spun off into three independent companies:

• Elbit Medical Imaging (NASDAQ EMITF) – During 1999 to 2000 Elscint (Another affiliate of Elron) and Elbit Medical Imaging sold their imaging activities to General Electric Medical Systems and to Picker (now part of Philips Medical Systems) for approximately $600 million.
• Elbit Systems – Created as the defence electronics arm of Elbit, the company had an initial public offering on the NASDAQ stock market with the symbol NASDAQ:ESLT and finished its first day of trading at a price of $7.75. Elbit Systems has a market cap of over $5 Billion.
• Elbit – which focused on communications activities and in 1999 led the consortium that founded Partner Communications Company, Israel's first GSM operator NASDAQ PTNR. In 2002, Elbit was merged into Elron. Elron sold its shares in Partner during 2003–2006 for approximately $160 million.

In 2000, Elbit Systems merged with El-Op (a company controlled by the current chairman, Michael Federmann),[4] creating the largest non governmental defense electronics company in Israel and increasing Elbit Systems' value which later in 2004, enabled Elron to sell its shares in Elbit Systems for approximately $200 million.[5] Following the merger with El-Op, Michael Federmann became the largest shareholder in the combined group.

Following the merger with El-Op, Michael Federmann and CEO Joseph Ackerman led an aggressive growth by acquisitions strategy.

The company acquired companies, including:

• Elisra
• Tadiran Communications
• Shiron Satellite Communications
• BVR Systems
• Assets of Israel Military Industries’ Aircraft Systems Division
• Innovative Concepts, Inc.
• Mikal Ltd (the company initially purchased 19% of the firm, and later agreed to acquire Mikal's 100% holdings in Soltam Systems and Saymar and the 87.85% portion of ITL held by Mikal, in exchange Mikal's owners received the 19% of Mikal that Elbit had purchased)[6] Elbit subsequently announced a cash tender offer for the 12.15% remainder of ITL held by the public.[7]

In October 2014, Elbit Systems won a $12.7 million contract for the supply and provision of Apache Aviator Integrated Helmets for the US Army helicopter fleet. The contract would be delivered over a two-year period.[8]

On March 22, 2018, Elbit Systems and Universal Avionics announced that Elbit "is in the process of completing the acquisition of the privately owned U.S. company Universal Avionics Systems Corporation [UASC] through an asset acquisition agreement." The deal is expected to close “in the coming weeks.”

In the year of 2019, Elbit Systems purchased the night vision business of Harris Corp. (which had earlier acquired Exelis Inc., previously of ITT Inc.) for $350 million when Harris merged with L3.[9][10]

In April 2019, Elbit Systems announced that it had partnered with DA-Group to produce and advertise its anti-jamming devices for global navigation satellite systems.[11]

In August 2019, Elbit Systems won an IMOD contract to install the Iron Fist active protection system on the IDF's new Eitan AFV and the IDF's fleet of armored D9 bulldozers.[12]

In April 2021, the Australian Army decided that Elbit's battlefield management system be withdrawn from use by 15 May 2021. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that this action was taken due to concerns about the system's security.[13] An Australian Financial Review columnist stated that the security problems comprised "a “backdoor” security vulnerability reportedly uncovered by the Australian Signals Directorate".[14] The Australian Defence Magazine also reported that the system had failed two security milestones during 2020.[15] Elbit denied that the system posed any security risks.[13]

• Elbit Vision Systems (NASDAQ EVSNF) – a developer and manufacturer of automated optical inspection solutions for textile manufacturing processes, founded in 1992 and had an initial public offering on the NASDAQ in 1996.
• Chip PC Technologies (TASE CPPC) – a developer and manufacturer of thin client solutions for server-based computing; Elbit acquired 20% of the company in 2006.[16]
• Everysight – a developer and manufacturer of an augmented reality smartglasses for cyclists, founded in 2016.[17]

Azerbaijan[18]

Belgium – On 1 July 2003, Elbit acquired OIP Sensor Systems.[19]

France – On June 19, 2011, Elbit announced that its subsidiary Elisra Electronic Systems Ltd. was awarded a contract valued at approximately €5 million to supply hundreds of units of its AN/PRC-684 Personal Locator Beacon to the French Ministry of Defense, equipping the French Air Force, Army, Navy and DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement). The project is to be performed within 24 months.[20]

Germany – Elbit Systems bought the radio communication division of the former Telefunken. In 2020 it became Elbit Systems Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG. Elbit builds the E-LynX SDR radio system for the German Bundeswehr for the armored forces, night vision and thermal imaging devices and Directional Infra-Red Countermeasure (DIRCM) for the A400M, radar warning receiver and EW controller for the CH-53GS/GE.[21]

Italy – On June 22, 2011, Elbit announced that it was awarded a contract valued in excess of US$15 million by Elettronica S.p.A. to participate in a program to supply the ELT/572 DIRCM (Directed Infra-Red Countermeasures) system for installation on various platforms of the Italian Air Force, including the C130J, C27J and AW101. The contract is to be performed over the next three years.[22]

North Macedonia – In February 2004 Elbit System started modernization of 4 helicopters (two transport MI-17, and two attack helicopters MI-24V) in Air Base Petrovec for Macedonian Air Force with equipment (ANVIS/HUD-24) for flight and combat in night environments. On May 11, 2011, Ministry of Defence signed a contract for building a training center for pilots with simulators (Full Mission Sumulator, FMS) for MI-17 and MI-24 helicopters. Simulators was produced by Romanian Company Simultec ownership of Elbit Systems, On March 2, 2014, centar was opened with ceremony led by President of Republic Of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov, Premier of Republic Of Macedonia Nikola Gruevski, ex-minister from Ministry of Defence and other guests.

Romania – Elbit Systems' activities in Romania, which started in 1996, are primarily carried out through its wholly owned Romanian subsidiaries, Elbit Systeme S.A., A-E Electronics S.A, Elmet International SRL and Simultec SRL, which employ approximately 400 employees.[23] On May 24, 2011, Elbit announced that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $18.6 million to upgrade the Romanian Air Forces' C-130 transport aircraft. According to the agreement, the C-130 aircraft will be installed with various types of advanced electronic systems, including those produced by Elbit Systems' wholly owned subsidiary – Elisra Electronic Systems Ltd. The project, to be performed over four years, will be executed in cooperation with local companies in Romania, led by the Romanian Aeronautical Industry.[23]

Sweden - On June 17, 2021, Elbit Systems announced the establishment of its Swedish subsidiary "Elbit Systems Sweden".[24] On January 13, 2022, Elbit Systems Sweden was awarded with a contract to supply combat management systems to the Royal Swedish Navy.[25][26] On January 24, 2023, Elbit Systems Sweden announced that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $48 million to equip the Swedish Armed Forces with new mobile tactical communications stations.[27][28][29][30] According to the contract, Elbit Systems Sweden are to develop and deliver two Technical High Mobility Shelter (THMS) variants - RL HYTT 24A and RL HYTT 24B.[31][32]

Elbit Systems Uk Ltd. was incorporated on 24 September 2004, as a holding company for Elbit's activities in the United Kingdom.[33] As of 2021, it has six subsidiary companies, located across ten sites in the country, employing over 500 people.[34]

The company was incorporated after Elbit and Thales Group of France, won a tender (code named "Watchkeeper program") to supply the British Army with unmanned aerial vehicles.[35] The tender condition included a requirement to set up a local manufacturing facility for the program,[36] therefore, at the end of 2005 a joint venture company was established, with the Thales Group, named "UAV Tactical Systems Ltd (U-TacS)", based in Leicester to manufacture the Watchkeeper WK450.[37] Additionally a flight testing facility was set up at ParcAberporth in West Wales.[38]

In 2007, Elbit acquired Ferranti Technologies, based in Oldham, Greater Manchester, a company that was part of the historic Ferranti group and provides engineering, manufacturing and product support to the aerospace and defence markets.[39] Starting in 2014, following the Gaza War, activists from Palestine Action and other groups started protesting outside the factory in Oldham. Eventually, in January 2022 Elbit announced that it is selling the facility.[40]

In February 2016, Affinity Flying Services Limited, a joint venture between Elbit and Kellog, Brown and Root was awarded a £500 million contract to manage the "UK Military Flight Training System" (UKMFTS) program for the Ministry of Defence, to deliver aircrew training for over an 18-year period.[41]

On 19 May 2021, during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, four members of the Palestine Action group dressed in red boiler suits climbed onto the roof of an Elbit Systems-owned drone factory in Meridian Business Park, Leicester.[42][43][44] The occupation lasted six days, and a total of 10 arrests were made for conspiracy to commit criminal damage and aggravated trespass.[42] The group have staged similar occupations of Elbit Systems sites in Bristol,[45] Oldham in collaboration with Extinction Rebellion[46][47][48] and Tamworth[49] in collaboration with Animal Rebellion.[50]

As of 2023, Elbit closed its Oldham factory and London headquarters.

United States – Elbit owns several companies in the United States through its American subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America (ESA):The Elbit Systems of America operates under a special security agreement with a proxy board, allowing it to function independently and separately from its parent company.[51] [52] Elbit Systems of America (ESA) is incorporated in Delaware.[53]

• EFW in Fort Worth, Texas (the EFW facility also houses ESA's home office)
  • EFW manufactures components for the F-16, V-22, and Bradley Fighting Vehicle, among other programs. It was initially the electronics manufacturing facility for General Dynamics operations in Fort Worth; when GD sold its aviation business to Lockheed Martin the latter was not interested in the facility which was then sold to Elbit.[54]
• IEI in Talladega, Alabama (formerly International Enterprises, Inc.)
• Kollsman Inc. in Merrimack, New Hampshire (founded in 1928 by Paul Kollsman, who invented barometers and instrument flight in airplanes)
  • Kollsman is a subcontractor to Boeing on SBInet, a high-tech security system for the U.S.-Mexico border in conjunction with the United States Department of Homeland Security.[55]
• Talla-Com in Tallahassee, Florida
• Innovative Concepts, Inc. (ICI) in McLean, Virginia, purchased in November 2008 from Herley Industries[56]
• VSI in San Jose, California (a joint venture with Rockwell Collins, formerly known as Vision Systems International; Elbit and Rockwell Collins each own 50%)
• UAS Dynamics in Fort Mill, South Carolina (originally a 50–50 joint venture with General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products; on December 1, 2011, Elbit purchased GD's 50% share)[57]
• M7 Aerospace, formerly Fairchild Dornier Aviation in San Antonio, Texas[58]
• Night Vision division of Harris (previously from Exelis, itself a spinoff from ITT) in Roanoke, Virginia was purchased by ESA on September 15, 2019

Brazil – In 2001, Aeroeletronica (AEL), a Brazilian company that had more than two decades of experience in the defense industry has become a part of the Elbit Systems Group.[59] In January 2011, Elbit announced that it had bought two more Brazilian companies: Ares Aeroespecial e Defesa, and Periscopio Equipamentos Optronicos.[60] In April 2011, Embraer has entered into a strategic agreement with AEL Sistemas S.A ("AEL"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems. The two companies were yet to define the specific programs to be pursued but, according to officials from the two companies, the main goals of the cooperation were the expanding of joint activities in the area of unmanned aircraft systems, including the anticipated creation of a jointly owned company, with majority participation of Embraer D&S. One of the primary goals of the joint venture will be to promote the introduction and use of Elbit Systems Hermes 450 UAV in the service of the Brazilian Air Force.[61]

Colombia – In March 2010, a $28 million contract for Hermes 450 UAVs was suspended by the Colombian government after media reports based on anonymous letters alleged that Colombian officials had been bribed.[62][63] The Israeli Ministry of Defense investigated and found that the letters likely came from Israel Aerospace Industries, a competitor that lost the tender.[62] The incident led to a review of the regulations governing overseas competition between Israeli defense companies.[62]

Philippines – Elbit won its first contract in the Philippines for the supply of upgraded armored personnel carriers to the Philippine military back in June 2014. The upgrade included 25mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets.[64] The contract marks a significant breakthrough for Elbit Systems, as it is the first one awarded to the company in the Philippines.[65] In 2015, the Armed Forces of the Philippines received 114 M113 tracked APCs from the United States.[66] The improved version of M113A2 APCs will have Remote Control Weapons System (RWS) designed by Elbit Systems. The electronically driven turrets can be configured with various types of cannons (25mm/30mm), coaxial machine guns (7.62mm) and guided anti-tank missiles.[67]

In August 2020, the Philippine Air Force received full delivery of three Hermes 900 and one Hermes 450 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as part of a contract worth approximately $175 million. Each system consists of three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a ground control system and support equipment. Elbit Systems also included a spare used Hermes 450 UAV as part of the deal, for a total of 9 Hermes 900 UAVs and 4 Hermes 450 UAVs.

On October 23, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Elbit won contracts to produce 18 Sabrah ASCOD Light Tanks and 10 Pandur II Tank Destroyers along with 1 ASCOD 2 Armored Command Vehicle, 1 ASCOD 2 Armored Recovery Vehicle and a separate another contract to supply 28 Iveco VBTP-MR Guarani APCs for the Philippine Army's Light Tank and APC Acquisition Projects.[68]

• Elbit Hermes 90
• Elbit Hermes 450
• Elbit Hermes 900
• Elbit Skylark
• Silver Arrow Micro-V
• Silver Arrow Sniper

• Silver Marlin

• E-LynX

• Iron Sting