Moshe Keret, President& CEO of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) spoke at an event held on February 2, 2006, for the conclusion of a visit by representatives of the U.S. space shuttle Discovery and families of the crew of the space shuttle Columbia. Israeli astronaut Col. Ilan Ramon was among the victims of the Columbia disaster.
Mr. Keret was introduced by Brig. Gen. (Ret.) David Ivry, Chairman of the Friends-Forum of the Commercial and Industrial Club. Ivry, former Deputy Chief of Staff of the IDF, Commander of the Israel Air Force and former Chairman of IAI's Board of Directors, said: "Moshe is a dear man who has served the industry and the country for more than 45 years. He has received numerous awards for his achievements including: the Israel National Defense Award, the Industry Award, the Prime Minister's Award for Life Achievements, and an honorary Doctorate from the Technion. He also received awards from two leading defense publications - Aviation Week and Flight International."
"We cherish you as a man and as a Zionist and appreciate your enormous contributions to the State of Israel's security. You can always count on us as your friends." Ivry said.
In his speech, Moshe Keret said that Israel is one of only eight countries in the world that has the proven ability to develop, manufacture and launch satellites, despite the fact the Government of Israel invests a small percentage of funds in space programs compared to other countries. Keret reviewed IAI's activities as the prime contractor for space products in Israel and provided details on the development of TechSAR - a satellite designed to work at all weather conditions. Keret reported that Israel's space industry sales for 2005 were approximately $150 million with projected sales of $200 million for 2006.
Other speakers included: Lt. Col. Eileen Collins - Commander of the space shuttle Columbia, astronaut Dr. Andrew Thomas, and Mrs. Rona Ramon, wife of the late Col. Ilan Ramon.
For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate Vice President for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 935-8509
Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il