Ben-Gurion International Airport, Israel - A ceremony launching the upgrade program of the Industries F-16 Demonstrator, for the Israeli Air Force, which will be implemented in the Lahav Facility at Israel Aircraft Industries, was held this morning. The event took place in the presence of the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, the Director of Defense Research and Development for the Ministry of Defense, The Chairman and President of Israel Aircraft Industries, the President of El-Op, the Vice President of Elbit, and Senior Officers from the Israeli Air Force and Officials from the Ministries of Defense and Finance.
Mr. Menachem Shmul, IAI Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group, noted in his speech that developing the upgrade program was a belabored process involving the integration of all of Israel's defense industries. It required the assistance of the Ministries of Defense and Finance, together with a cooperation agreement with the aircraft's manufacturer, Lockheed-Martin.
The upgrade project will include innovative and advanced systems, such as: a fire control radar, display systems, a mission computer, and an advanced and diversified weapons readiness system.
Recently, development activities are in progress for various stages: testing the aircraft will begin in 2000, and afterward, demonstrations will be held for the Israeli Air Force and foreign air forces.
The President of El-Op, Mr. Yaacov Toren, who was one of those driving the idea behind the F-16 upgrade, noted in his comments during the ceremony, "The Industries F-16 Demonstrator illustrates the possibility for cooperation and collaboration between all the Israeli defense industries, Lockheed-Martin and the Ministries of Defense and Finance." Mr. Toren added, "The upgrade package will include various options to suit the needs and financial capabilities of every air force."
Mr. Yaacov Gadot, Vice President of Business Development at Elbit, said, "The Demonstrator project is an additional stage in the joint development of the industries supplying the Israeli Air Force, the Ministry of Defense, in the development of weaponry made in Israel." Mr. Gadot expressed his certainty that this cooperation will bring operational success, in addition to the development of technologies and business success worldwide.
Moshe Keret, President of Israel Aircraft Industries, noted that the hanger in which the ceremony took place is particularly special. "This is the base for the production of the State of Israel's fighter aircraft. Here the foundations are being laid for the capability of producing combat aircraft for decades to come. The F-16 Demonstrator is in its natural place and serves as an additional link in the chain of activities pertaining to fighter aircraft."
Mr. Keret added, "In this F-16 aircraft, we see one of the most important platforms in the field of upgrade for the coming decade. There will be great need for upgrades, and this cooperation between us and the defense industries, as well as the aircraft manufacturer, proves our readiness to penetrate the global market. This presents an opportunity today, as well as promise for future business." "
Beyond the importance of the upgrade of a fighter aircraft, with our best technologies, the project is uniquely important. It represents a joint camp of different parties under one roof, in the establishment of a consortium for the Industries F-16 Demonstrator. This is a particularly special partnership, thanks special contribution of the Ministries of Defense and Finance, which recognize its great future importance. I see a great advantage in the establishment of this collaborative organization, and I hope that we will concentrate together on the real competition -- to obtain global market share." concluded Mr. Keret.
The Managing Director of the Ministry of Defense, Mr. Ilan Biran, expressed his great appreciation for the cooperation on the Industries F-16 Demonstrator project, with the hope that this will lead to future organizational cooperation within the industry.
Mr. Biran emphasized that the Israeli defense industries have joined forces in order to compete globally. "If there won't be structural unity in marketing abroad, we will simply not be able to compete against the corporate giants worldwide. We find ourselves in a period of very hard and real competition. Therefore we must collaborate and create opportunities for cooperation with the large aircraft manufacturers."
Mr. Biran added, "Israel Aircraft Industries is, historically and practically, the heart of Israel's security. It is also the exporter with the largest economic added value to the State. Our objective today is growth through increased exports, because without added exports, there will be greater unemployment in the market. It is our obligation to export 70-80% of our defense production."