IAI, Embraer May Joint Focus On Mission Aircraft Market

Israel Aerospace Industries and Embraer are in discussion to co-operate in the special mission aircraft market encouraged by a prospective demand in Brazil and other countries in Latin America.

Development of the program is expected to be based on upgrading Brazilian navy Douglas A-4 Skyhawks with a radar from IAI subsidiary Elta Systems, plus the maintenance of aircraft engines.

Elta has recently increased the number of probable platforms for its mission aircraft programmes, which vary from airborne early warning (AEW), electronic intelligence, ground surveillance and maritime patrol sectors.

The company has already installed AEW equipment on the Boeing 707, Gulfstream G550 and Ilyushin Il-76, and is offering an adapted C295 for the role in collaboration with Airbus Military. Its most recent orders success was a deal in 2012 to supply two G550-based AEW platforms to the Italian air force, according to Flight Global.