TOR Advanced Flight Training (TOR), a joint venture between Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has signed an agreement with the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) to support the national Air Force’s future trainer programme.
Yoram Shmuely, Elbit Systems Aerospace Division co-general manager, said: "I believe that we will accomplish significant achievements in this important project, as we have in the past in other Air Force-related projects both in Israel and worldwide."
The contract has a maximum potential value of $603m, and is anticipated to be finalised in the next few weeks.
A provisional purchase order and funding, worth approximately $27m, was also awarded by the IMOD to TOR in an effort to enable the company meet the project’s schedule.
Out of the $600m, approximately $420m will be allotted to Elbit to carry out support services and deliver aircraft systems in two phases.
Elbit Systems president and CEO, Joseph Ackerman, said the company has delivered a range of advanced avionics systems, training infrastructure, as well as maintenance and logistics support services to the IAF in recent years.
During the project’s $110m establishment phase, the company will set up an improved logistic support and maintenance infrastructure for the new trainer aircraft and advanced ground training array.
Additionally, new avionics systems provided under the phase are expected to enhance operational readiness of the IAF’s pilots in flying the next-generation aircraft.
Under the $310m operational phase, responsibilities will include delivery of logistics services for the trainer and new aircraft array in the next two decades.
