Elettronica and Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Generating a Joint Laser-Based DIRCM Product

(Paris, June 21, 2007) -- Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) announced today that its subsidiary Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Ltd. (Elop) and Elettronica S.p.A. (Elettronica) have agreed to cooperate and complete the joint development of advanced DIRCM (Direct Infra-Red Counter-Measures) systems intended to protect helicopters and wide-bodied aircraft from low altitude attack by shoulder-mounted heat-seeking missiles.

The agreement builds on the abundant experience of both companies in infra-red countermeasures. Elettronica was an early pioneer in the field, which it explored beginning in the 1980s. Serving as the Israel Government's Center for Excellence for Electro-Optics Applications, Elop provides advanced electro-optic digital technologies for both military and space applications.


DIRCM systems are intended primarily to protect helicopters, and larger fixed-wing aircraft during their take-off and landing phases, against the so-called portable heat-seeking missiles. These arms, beyond their combat applications, are considered to pose a potential terrorist risk for civilian aviation as well.

Elettronica and Elop will jointly offer defense solutions based on "MUSIC(r)", the world's most advanced laser-based DIRCM protection system, integrating fiber laser technology with a small, highly dynamic turret to provide effective, reliable and affordable protection under all operational conditions. The system can operate with most types of Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS) and can be integrated into Defensive Aids Sub Systems (DASS).

Source : Elbit Systems Ltd.