Elbit lands Asian F-5 upgrade deal
10/22/2014



An unnamed Asian country has awarded Elbit Systems contracts worth approximately $85 million to perform an avionics upgrade on its air force fleet of Northrop F-5 fighters.

The work also includes installation of new communications equipment andelectro-optical sensors andwill be conducted over a three-year period, the Israeli company adds.

"We are proud to have been selected to perform this aircraft upgrade programme, building on our vast know-how and experience in F-5 avionics modernisation projects," Elbit chief executiveBezhalel Machlis says.

"We have witnessed a growing demand for upgrades of this nature, and we trust that further customers will follow, benefiting from a mature aircraft upgraded with market-leading technologies," he adds.

Flightglobal's MiliCAS database records six air forces in the Asia-Pacific region as operating a combined total of 333 F-5s. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand operate the type.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...e-deal-405065/

Elbit to upgrade F-5 fighters for undisclosed Asian country

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
21 October 2014



Elbit Systems has been awarded a USD85 million contract by an undisclosed Asian country. The majority has been earmarked for a Northrop F-5 Tiger II upgrade programme.

The contract, which was announced by the Israeli company on 22 October, will last for three years. In addition to upgrading the F-5's avionics, the remainder covers the supply of electro-optical and communications equipment.

While the contract notification does not disclose the customer, Asian countries known to still operate the F-5 comprise Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. Given that Elbit Systems has already undertaken upgrade work for Singapore and Thailand, it is not likely that either of these are the subject of this latest award.The same can be said for Malaysia, which does not enjoy good relations with Israel.

Elbit Systems already has considerable experience of modernising F-5s, having been contracted in the past by Brazil, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States to upgrade their fleets. The most recent work for Brazil featured a new 'glass cockpit' that included colour multifunctional display units with a hands-on-throttle-and-stick configuration, and a fully night-vision goggle compatible helmet-mounted display system, all driven by an Elbit Systems avionics suite.

The company has not disclosed the specifics of this latest contract, but as well as the work done for Brazil previous efforts have included integrating the provision of modern navigation and electronic warfare suites, and the supply of simulators and other training and support equipment.

http://www.janes.com/article/44881/e...-asian-country