Elbit System To Own and Operate IAF Trainers

The Israel Ministry of Defense has selected Elbit Systems to supply and operate Israel Air Force trainer aircraft.

The MoD tender for the light trainers was based on the implementation of PFI-Private Finance Initiative concept, which is already implemented in some countries but is adopted for the first time by the Israel Air Force. According to the new program, Elbit will purchase, own and maintain the Grob 120A trainers, to be operated at the Israel Air Force base, and maintained by Elbit at its Cyclone field, near Carmiel.

The Grob 120A will replace Piper Cub and Zukit trainers currently used for screening in the initial phases of flight training. The new concept helps optimize the Air Force budget, resulting in manpower savings and transferring the responsibility for the maintenance and operations of the aircraft to a specialist contractor.

The IAF is also planning to issue PFI tenders for some of its simulation systems.

By Tamir Eshel