At a ceremony held at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel and Italy have marked another significant step in the realization of the agreement signed in 2012 with the delivery of the first of two CAEW aircraft to Italy. The ceremony was attended by the Italian ambassador, senior officials from the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and representatives from the Italian Air Force.

The CAEW- Conformal Airborne Early Warning & Control System, installed on the G-550 Gulfstream aircraft, -is an early warning and air control system developed by ELTA systems, an IAI subsidiary. The second aircraft included in the agreement is expected to be delivered to the Italian Air Force during 2017. The aircraft are equipped with advanced mission systems including radar, electronic intelligence, self-defense and advanced communications systems to NATO standards.

DDR&D Director, Brig. Gen. (res) Dr. Daniel Gold: “The system reflects the deep, fruitful collaboration between the Italian and Israeli ministries of defense. It’s both sides understanding of the needs and challenges that stand before the other. In the framework of this agreement, one of the products of which we see here before us, the Italian government signed a reciprocal procurement agreement with the Israeli defense industries at a volume of over 4 billion NIS. This is a continuation of the procurement of 30 training aircraft for the [Israeli] Air Force, made in Italy. The cooperation is very substantial and significant to the Israeli industry, and allows for the development of advanced technologies to be used first and foremost by the IDF, and provides two warning aircraft with the worlds most advanced abilities.”

IAI press release