Elbit Systems Ltd. is an Israel-based international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, electronic warfare suites, signal intelligence (SIGINT) systems, data links and communications systems and radios.
The company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.
In 2016, Elbit Systems had approximately 13,895 employees, the majority of whom are engaged in engineering, mechanics, research and development, and other computing and technical areas.
Elbit Systems was founded in 1966 by Elron Electronic Industries, which combined the existing expertise within the Israel Ministry of Defense-Research Institute in special computer design with Elron's experience in electronic product design, manufacture and management (initially under the name Elbit Computers). Elbit steadily expanded developing and producing logistic-support weapon delivery and navigation systems for most Israeli aircraft, establishing a combat avionics package for the IAI Lavi fighter aircraft, and producing a fire-control system for the Merkava tank.
In 2000, Elbit Systems merged with El-Op (a company controlled by the current Chairman, Michael Federmann),[5] creating the largest non governmental defense electronics company in Israel and increasing Elbit Systems' value which later in 2004 enabled Elron to sell its shares in Elbit Systems for approximately $200 million.[6] Following the merger with El-Op, Michael Federmann became the largest shareholder in the combined group.
Growth by acquisition
Following the merger with El-Op, Michael Federmann and CEO Joseph Ackerman led an aggressive growth by acquisitions strategy.
The company acquired companies, including:
Elisra
Tadiran CommunicationsShiron Satellite Communications
BVR Systems
Assets of Israel Military Industries’ Aircraft Systems Division
Innovative Concepts, Inc.
Mikal Ltd (the company initially purchased 19% of the firm, and later agreed to acquire Mikal's 100% holdings in Soltam Systems and Saymar and the 87.85% portion of ITL held by Mikal, in exchange Mikal's owners received the 19% of Mikal that Elbit had purchased. Elbit subsequently announced a cash tender offer for the 12.15% remainder of ITL held by the public.
Universal Avionics Systems Corporation
Elbit Systems purchased the night vision business of Harris Corp. in America for $350 million
Elbit owns several companies in the United States through its American subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America (ESA):
EFW in Fort Worth, Texas (the EFW facility also houses ESA's home office)
EFW manufactures various components for the F-16, V-22, and Bradley Fighting Vehicle, among other programs. It was initially the electronics manufacturing facility for General Dynamics operations in Fort Worth; when GD sold its aviation business to Lockheed Martin the latter was not interested in the facility which was then sold to Elbit.
IEI in Talladega, Alabama (formerly International Enterprises, Inc.)
Kollsman Inc. in Merrimack, New Hampshire (founded in 1928 by Paul Kollsman, who invented barometers and instrument flight in airplanes)
Kollsman is a subcontractor to Boeing on SBInet, a high-tech security system for the U.S.-Mexico border in conjunction with the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Talla-Com in Tallahassee, Florida
Innovative Concepts, Inc. (ICI) in McLean, Virginia, purchased in November 2008 from Herley Industries
VSI in San Jose, California (a joint venture with Rockwell Collins, formerly known as Vision Systems International; Elbit and Rockwell Collins each own 50%)
UAS Dynamics in Fort Mill, South Carolina (originally a 50–50 joint venture with General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products; on December 1, 2011 Elbit purchased GD's 50% share)
M7 Aerospace in San Antonio, Texas.
West Bank Barrier
Elbit supply surveillance systems for the Israeli West Bank barrier.
US-Mexico Border
Elbit won the contract from U.S. CBP (Custons & Border Protection) in 2014 to install a tech-based system – a combination of towers, sensors, radars, cameras, and communications linked into the company’s TORCH command and control center for 24/7 surveillance capability.
As part of a decade long $360 Million US Border Drones Program, Elbit Systems provided CBP with ground control stations, operational crews and support personnel in addition to the UAVs itself. An independent study found the program to be inefficient in respect to the cost of the program and effectiveness of the technology in comparison to other methods.
F-35 Display Replacement
In early June 2017, Elbit System of America announced a contract from Lockheed Martin to develop a panoramic cockpit display unit to replace the fighter’s current L3 Aviation Products cockpit display. During the Paris Air Show later that month, Harris Corporation said it had a contract from Lockheed Martin to improve the F-35’s data storage, display processing and throughput capabilities.
The TR3 avionics system upgrade is part of the F-35 Block 4 follow-on modernization program; it will be added during the Block 4.2 increment, according to the Pentagon’s Office of the Director for Operational Test and Evaluation
Apache Aviator Integrated Helmets for the US Army
In October 2014, Elbit Systems won a $12.7 million contract for the supply and provision of Apache Aviator Integrated Helmets for the US Army helicopter fleet. The contract would be delivered over a two-year period.
Cyberbit
Cyberbit is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems an Israeli high technology company engaged in a wide range of defence, homeland security and commercial programs.
In 2017, Cyberbit found itself in the centre of a scandal involving a product it sells to government which allows the user to spy illegally on people be it citizens, dissidents, foreigners involving espionage. The capabilities are all possible and been known to be utilised in all those scenarios according to citizenlab.
Learning of the questionable ethics of Cyberbit as a merchant of spyware and cyber arm product and how their products are being utilised is one thing, but there is also nothing legally has occurred and there is no real pressure from the Israeli government to curb the sales of Cyberbit products to governments who’s institutions have violated their own laws and foreign country’s laws. This really highlights the free reign of the high tech sector and there are many possible reason to believe that is no coincidence.
So with that in mind, you wouldn’t be surprised to discover that this same company is involved in providing cyber security products and training to Cyber Security Training Range (CSTR) of Maryland, LLC. CSTR role is to protect US national assets and essential infrastructure.
The training involves cyber war games where cyber-attacks are simulated to mimic real ones on what is called a cyber-range. I’m not an expert on this particular aspect opens up other scenarios and possibilities. It leaves a lot of trust and power in the hands of cyberbit.
So from the training and cyberwar games carried out we can conclude that cyberbit knows all the mechanics and protocols of the cybersecurity system and how it is used. So they can and will design cyber arms and spyware to counter their own systems. Not only because they have to stay ahead of outside hackers, also because Cyberbit have a vested interest in creating new business selling new and updated products.
So the scenario could be described as a cyber-arms race under the umbrella of this corporation.