DistantNews
🇮🇱 Israel /Technology

Elbit Systems signs deal with US Army to provide THOR Group 2 portable drone systems

From Jerusalem Post · (36m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Elbit Systems' FUSE division will supply its THOR Group 2 portable drone systems to the U.S. Army through a partnership with Mistral Inc.
  • The THOR Group 2 is a backpack-portable, fully autonomous multirotor aircraft designed for rapid deployment by small tactical units.
  • The U.S. Army will use the system for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and other missions, with Avandra LLC providing training and support.

In a significant defense technology deal, Elbit Systems, through its FUSE division, has secured a contract to provide its advanced THOR Group 2 portable drone systems to the U.S. Army. This agreement, facilitated by a partnership with Mistral Inc., underscores the growing demand for sophisticated, rapidly deployable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at the company level. The THOR Group 2 is engineered for versatility, designed as a backpack-portable, fully autonomous multirotor aircraft capable of swift deployment by small tactical units.

The U.S. Army intends to leverage the THOR system to enhance its organic aerial capabilities, enabling units to conduct critical missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, communications relay, and even limited cargo delivery. The drone's autonomous capabilities, including takeoff, landing, and mission execution, along with the ability to operate multiple platforms simultaneously, make it a formidable asset. Its modular design allows for rapid swapping of payloads, accommodating up to 10 kilograms for various needs like electronic warfare or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

validates the technological and operational advantages

— Yoav Poizner, vice president of marketing for Elbit Systems C4I & CyberCommenting on the U.S. Army's selection of the THOR platform.

This contract not only validates the technological maturity and adaptability of Elbit Systems' THOR platform but also highlights the strong and ongoing defense ties between Israel and the United States. Yoav Poizner, vice president of marketing for Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber, emphasized that the decision "validates the technological and operational advantages" of the platform. Mistral Inc.'s senior vice president for business development, Yoav Banai, added that the award focuses on delivering proven capabilities quickly and tailoring them to real operational conditions. This collaboration, involving Elbit's U.S. subsidiary Avandra LLC for training and technical support, signifies a strategic move to equip U.S. forces with cutting-edge Israeli technology, reinforcing Israel's position as a global leader in defense innovation.

focuses on delivering a proven capability quickly and tailoring it to real operational conditions.

— Yoav Banai, senior vice president for business development at MistralDescribing the approach to fulfilling the U.S. Army's requirements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog