Israel Targets Latin American Upgrades

 

Mirage M-50

Defense contracts are maintaining a significant share of the trade balance between Israel and Latin America. The sale of Lockheed/Martin F-16s to Chile is expected to open new opportunities, both by integrating systems that are already fielded with other Chilean air force fighters, and by bringing existing platforms up to the level of the first-line Falcons.

For visitors to FIDAE 2002, it is evident that some activities are already gaining momentum. Aircraft modernization programs are being considered for transport and utility aircraft such as the C-130, as well as mission planning systems, and cockpit modifications for the Bell 412. Maritime patrol missions are also becoming relevant here, where installations of Elta's EL/M-2022A radar are considered.

Elbit is growing stronger in Brazil, where it recently acquired a majority holding in Aeroeletronica, a Brazilian avionics producer. The company recently won several procurement contracts for avionics supply for the Brazilian Embraer ALX Super Tucano, and has initiated the modernization program for the Brazilian air force F-5s.

Kfir 2000s, supplied to Ecuador, also introduced an improved, well-balanced system/ weapons/platform with capabilities comparable to first-line aircraft with Python 4 missiles. Modernization programs are also underway in Venezuela, where IAI/Lahav is modernizing Mirage M-50 aircraft.

Other programs include modifications in Venezuela that are focused on the F-16s. One program provided upgrades for the engines, with the installation of electronic engine control units on the F-100 engines. SGD Engineering from Israel designed the aircraft modifications required for the program, as subcontractor to Samsung of Korea. Follow-on programs expected to be announced in the future include more comprehensive upgrades for these early production block aircraft.

By Tamir Eshel