Page 56 - World Airnews Magazine October Edition 2020

AVIONICS

ISRAEL AEROSPACE EXPANDS

UAV ACTIVITY

improve competitiveness.
CEO of BlueBird Aero Systems, Ronen IAI executive vice president and general
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd has Nadir, said, “Bluebird brings advanced manager of the military aircraft group
acquired 50% of the equity of BlueBird technological capabilities in the small of IAI, Moshe Levy, said, “IAI’s UAV
experience spans close to 50 years. During
Aero Systems – a UAS developer and tactical UAS world and has been fortunate this time IAI has focused on customizing
integrator in the small tactical arena. to supply its systems to numerous its developments to the needs arising from
customers around the world. Along with
The company has been providing its IAI’s vast technological and innovative the field and the market.”
solutions to Israeli forces and worldwide abilities and its infrastructure and world “The acquisition of BlueBird is an
customers for close to two decades. market access, we will continue to grow the implementation of this strategy, offering us
As part of the transaction, IAI is acquiring company and extend its market share. I am an important leap forward in developing
the holdings of Piramal Technologies SA delighted by IAI’s decision to become a part the next IAI UAV family. The combined
from India, as well as additional shares of Bluebird and wish to thank the Bluebird companies will offer a broader portfolio of
from Fiberless Access and Ronen Nadir. team for their support and dedication over VTOL products with advanced technologi-
Ronen Nadir will continue to hold 50% of the years.” cal benefits at competitive prices.” Q
BlueBird shares and continue to serve as
the company’s CEO.
In recent years, both IAI and BlueBird
have focused on vertical take-off and
landing (VTOL) capabilities, a category that
provides significant benefits to ground and
naval forces.
BlueBird has developed several advanced
VTOL platforms, including the WanderB-
VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL.
The company has recently sold more
than 70 of the mentioned systems to an
undisclosed customer. Together with
Bluebird, IAI plans to bring innovative and
ground breaking VTOL technologies to
market.
This acquisition is part of the implemen-
tation of IAI’s strategy in the UAS sector
and a significant potential IAI foresees in
the small tactical UAS market for military,
HLS, and commercial applications. The
acquisition will enable IAI to grow its
operations and revenues, accelerate WonderB UAS (Credit: BlueBird Aero Systems)
technological developments while lowering
costs, reduce time to market process, and

Left to Right: Nimrod Sheffer, IAI CEO & President and Ronen Nadir, CEO of BlueBird Aero Systems. (Credit: Alon Ron, IAI)

World Airnews | October Extra 2020
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