Aeronautics News
28 articles
The Israeli weapons controlling Iranian skies
The article discusses Israels significant advancements in UAV and drone technology, highlighting the role of companies like SpearUAV in the defense sector. SpearUAV, founded in 2017, has expanded its range from the submarine sector to armed systems production, making it unique in the industry. The Israeli government and Ministry of Defense have allocated significant funds to startups in the drones and anti-drone technology sector, indicating a growth-positive impact. The success of Israeli defense companies, such as Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, has led to increased international demand for their products. The article also notes the challenges of operational success, such as the risk of exposing capabilities.
Product StageCustomersPartnersInvestment
Aeronautics secures ‘significant’ Orbiter 3 order from European NATO member - European Security & Defence
On 12 August 2024, Israeli unmanned aerial system (UAS) manufacturer Aeronautics announced that it has received a significant contract from an unnamed European NATO member country. The contract includes the supply of advanced Orbiter 3 UAS systems, which will significantly increase the customers existing fleet. The Orbiter 3 is a small tactical UAS applicable for both defence and homeland security applications. Aeronautics CEO, Dan Slasky, stated that the contract marks another important milestone with a long-standing customer.
CustomersExpand
ערבות חריגה ודפים ריקים: מה הסתתר מאחורי רכישת אירונאוטיקס בידי רפאל | כלכליסט
The article discusses the controversial acquisition of Aeronautics by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in 2019. The acquisition was financed by a loan from Bank Hapoalim to businessman Avichai Stolero, which was guaranteed by Rafael. The company also agreed to a special condition that allowed Stolero to sell his stake in Aeronautics to Rafael after four years. However, the company has been criticized for not disclosing key details about the deal, including the loan guarantee, until years later. The article also mentions that Rafaels financial reports have left several questions unanswered.
AcquisitionManagement Changes
3 מיליון ש' קנס לרפאל: לא המתינה לאישור המיזוג עם אירונאוטיקס
Rafael and Aeronautics have been fined 3 million shekels by the Competition Authority for merging before receiving approval, in violation of the law. The fine is relatively low because there was no concern about harming competition due to the violation. Rafael and Aeronautics began merger proceedings before applying to the Competition Authority for approval, which was later granted. In September 2019, Rafael and businessman Avichai Stolero acquired Aeronautics, a drone manufacturer from Yavne, for 852 million shekels.
AcquisitionAcquired-by
רשות החברות בודקת את רכישת אירונאוטיקס על ידי רפאל ואביחי סטולרו
The Israeli Companies Authority is investigating the acquisition of Aeronautics by Rafael and businessman Avichai Stolero. The deal, which took place in September 2019, cost Rafael 842 million shekels. According to a state comptrollers report from March 2022, the deal resulted in a cumulative loss of 161 million shekels for Rafael.
Acquisition
Aeronautics will supply the Greek Ministry of Defense with dozens of advanced Orbiter 3 tactical unmanned aerial vehicle systems as part of the Spike missile deal
Aeronautics Ltd. has announced a contract to supply dozens of its Orbiter 3 systems to the Greek Ministry of Defense as part of a larger contract between the Israeli and Greek Ministry of Defense. The contract is worth approximately 370 million euros and involves the procurement of Rafaels Spike missiles. The Orbiter 3 systems will provide advanced capabilities for target detection, recognition, and identification, while the Spike missiles will be used to close the sensor-to-shooter loop. Aeronautics Group CEO, Dan Slasky, expressed pride in the collaboration with Rafael and thanked both the Israeli and Greek Ministry of Defense for their support.
PartnersAcquisition
Aeronautics' Board of Directors Appoints Dan Slasky as CEO of the Aeronautics Group -
The Aeronautics Group, a leading provider of integrated turnkey solutions based on unmanned systems platforms, has appointed Dan Slasky as its new CEO. Slasky replaces Moshe Elazar, who led the company to double its sales and triple its order backlog during his three-year term. Slasky previously served as CEO of the SCD Group, which develops and manufactures infrared sensors for the defence and civilian markets. Under his leadership, the SCD Group grew into a world leader in its field, with annual sales of approximately USD 200 million.
Management Changes
Aeronautics Adds VTOL Capability to Orbiter-4 - Defense Update:
Aeronautics, an Israeli UAV maker, has introduced a VTOL kit for its Orbiter 4 Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (STUAS). The kit allows users to operate the drones without ground support and offers maximum flexibility for all-terrain mission operation. The Orbiter 4 STUAS is designed to deploy from forward, austere locations without using runways. Aeronautics plans to unveil the Trojan, an Unmanned Hovering Platform (UHP), at Eurosatory 2022. The UHP can take off, land, and hover autonomously, with a range of up to 150 km. It offers the same payload capacity as the Orbiter 4 but with unique hovering takeoff and landing capabilities for persistent surveillance.
Expand
Aeronautics introduces Trojan - a multi-sensor, multi-mission unmanned hover plane
Aeronautics Group, an Israeli provider of integrated holistic solutions based on unmanned aerial systems, is introducing the Trojan, an Unmanned Hover Plane (UHP), which bridges the gap between the need to hover and the need to reach long ranges. The systems capabilities support challenging operational missions while simultaneously performing point-to-multipoint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), thereby creating a solution for versatile and dynamic environments, and achieving Wide-Area-Persistent-Surveillance (WAPS). The new UHP configuration gives Trojan long endurance, long-range, and fast flight capabilities, combined with the capacity to carry multiple payloads. The system enables execution of demanding, complex missions by tactical base stations. Trojan has been designed to enable operations in harsh environments while maintaining high efficacy within a small footprint.
Expand
אירונאוטיקס תעבור למודיעין למתחם שתקים עם מגה אור כלכליסט
Aeronautics, an unmanned aircraft manufacturer, has purchased half of a 42,000 square meter plot of land in Modiin from Mega Or for 25.8 million shekels. The company plans to move all of its operations to the new complex, which will be leased to them for 25 years. The cost of constructing the complex, which will employ 1,000 workers, will be 210 million shekels. The buildings in the complex will be tailored to Aeronautics needs.
AcquisitionExpand
חשיפה: אירונאוטיקס נכנסת לשוק בטחון המולדת - Techtime - חדשות אלקטרוניקה והייטק
Israeli drone manufacturer Aeronautics is planning to expand into the homeland security market. The company, which was acquired by Rafael and Avichai Stolero in 2019, recently purchased the project division of Magal for $35 million as part of its new strategy. The acquisition will allow Aeronautics to integrate its aerial platforms into security projects more easily. The companys CFO, Shachak Moshe, stated that the homeland security market has a lot of potential and that Aeronautics has suitable capabilities and technologies for it.
AcquisitionExpand
Aeronautics buys Magal's integrated solutions activities
Israeli unmanned aerial systems developer Aeronautics Group is acquiring the integrated solutions division of Magal Security Systems. The acquisition will extend Aeronautics Groups operations in the defense and homeland security markets. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021. Magals strategic decision to sell its projects division will allow the company to focus on providing technology-rich products, solutions, and services in the areas of energy, logistics, critical infrastructure, and correctional facilities.
Acquisition
Aeronautics in talks to buy Magal projects division
Aeronautics, owned by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Avichai Stolero, is reportedly in talks to acquire the projects division of Magal Security Systems Ltd. The potential deal is said to be in the hundreds of millions of shekels. Magal, which is traded on Nasdaq with a market cap of $114 million, recently announced a large dividend distribution of $25 million, causing its share price to jump. The largest shareholder in the company, FIMI Opportunity Funds, will receive most of the dividend.
Acquisition
Aeronautics sells drones to Cyprus to monitor Turkish threat
Israeli UAV manufacturer Aeronautics has sold four drones to Cyprus defense ministry for $13 million. The drones will be used to control the countrys offshore exclusive economic zone amid concerns of encroachment by Turkey in search of gas and oil.
Customers
KKR in talks to buy 50% Controp stake from Aeronautics
Controp, an Israeli electro-optic systems manufacturer, is in advanced negotiations to sell its 50% holding to US investment company KKR for $110 million. The deal comes just days after Aeronautics was acquired by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Avichai Stolero. Controp develops and manufactures advanced electro-optic systems for military uses and border defense. The company has been experiencing rapid growth, with its revenue doubling from 2015 to 2018. KKR, a large US investment fund, manages assets worth $206 billion in 20 countries.
Acquisition
Rafael Completes Aeronautics Acquisition
Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israeli businessman Avihai Stolero have completed the acquisition of drone maker Aeronautics Ltd. Aeronautics announced it will be delisting from the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The NIS 850 million (approximately $243.5 million) deal was approved by the Israeli government last month. Aeronautics develops military drones and has more than 45 defense, military, and homeland security customers worldwide.
Acquisition
Rafael Receives Final Approval for Aeronautics Acquisition
Israeli drone maker Aeronautics Ltd. has been acquired by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israeli businessman Avihai Stolero. The acquisition, valued at NIS 850 million (approximately $243.5 million), was approved by the Israeli Government Companies Authority. Aeronautics, which was previously trading at a market capitalization of NIS 400 million (approximately $114.6 million), will now delist from the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
Acquisition
Drone Maker Aeronautics Expands Contract with South American Government by $10 Million
Aeronautics Ltd. is set to expand a pre-existing contract with a government client in South America by $10 million. The company will provide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and maintenance and support services. The Israeli Government Companies Authority is recommending against approving the acquisition of Aeronautics by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Avihai Stolero. The proposed deal values the company at NIS 850 million ($237 million).
CustomersInvestment
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-aeronautics-eyes-fresh-orbiter-4-sales-459205/
Israeli unmanned systems specialist Aeronautics is displaying its flagship Orbiter 4 multipurpose unmanned air vehicle at the show, with the company aiming for a number of export opportunities around the world. The Orbiter 4 has achieved sales and is a perfect candidate for upcoming tenders. The company also manufactures the Dominator, a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV.
CustomersExpand
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Defense-company-Aeronautics-gets-export-license-to-key-customer-reinstated-579735
The Defense Ministry has reinstated the export license of Aeronautics Ltd., a defense company suspected of testing suicide drones against the Armenian military. The company can now sell the unmanned aircraft to a central Asian country. However, the export licenses of three senior executives are still suspended pending a decision on whether to file an indictment against them. Aeronautics Ltd. had its export license suspended in 2017 after it was reported that the companys team refused to strike the Armenian military position during a contract negotiation in Azerbaijan. The company denied any wrongdoing. The Orbiter 1K model UAV, which the company was prevented from exporting, is capable of carrying an explosive payload and has day and night capabilities.
PartnersCustomers
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Rafael-Stolero-offer-231m-for-Israeli-drone-maker-Aeronautics-577181
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Avihai Stolero have made a joint offer to acquire Aeronautics, an unmanned aerial systems (UAV) manufacturer, in a deal worth NIS 850 million ($231m). Aeronautics received the offer and will enter negotiations for the acquisition. If the merger is completed, Aeronautics will become a private entity and its shares will be delisted from the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The offer is subject to a diligence process and a binding merger agreement is expected to be formulated by February 15. Aeronautics shares surged by over 30% following the announcement.
Acquisition
Rafael signs cooperation agreement with Aeronautics
Aeronautics Ltd. has signed a cooperation agreement with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. to develop and manufacture advanced drones based on Aeronauticss Orbiter family of UAVs. The agreement involves joint marketing and sales of the new systems, first in Israel and later overseas. The agreement is an extension of an existing agreement in principle signed 30 months ago. The attempt by Rafael and Avichai Stolero to acquire Aeronautics failed. Rafael and Aeronautics are also in preliminary talks for an investment by Israel Aerospace Industries in Aeronautics.
Partners
Rafael offers to buy Aeronautics for NIS 430m
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has made an offer to acquire Aeronautics for NIS 430 million, which is a 10% premium on the market price. Aeronautics share price has plummeted 60% since its offering last year. Rafael, a government defense company, is seeking to obtain suitable platforms, such as the unmanned aerial vehicles made by Aeronautics. Aeronautics revenue in the first quarter of this year was $31 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. The company posted an operating loss of $1.2 million and a net loss of $1.8 million in the first quarter.
Acquisition
Israeli Dronemaker Aeronautics Completes Acquisition of U.S. company Chassis Plans
Israeli dronemaker Aeronautics Ltd. has completed its acquisition of U.S.-based company Chassis Plans Inc. The deal, first announced in September 2017, was delayed due to a police investigation in Israel. Aeronautics paid $2.3 million in cash at the time of closing and will pay an additional sum pending sales milestones. The acquisition is expected to support and expand Aeronautics activity in the U.S.
Acquisition
Police probe Aeronautics
Israeli UAV company Aeronautics Ltd. is under investigation by the Israel Police for suspected corruption in connection with a deal with a significant customer. The identities of the suspects and further details of the investigation remain under a gag order. Aeronautics has stated that it will fully cooperate with the investigation and aims to ensure that the investigation is as short as possible.
Customers
Aeronautics buys US co Chassis Plans
Aeronautics Ltd. has completed the acquisition of US company Chassis Plans for $6 million. The acquisition is expected to help Aeronautics expand its presence and sales in the US market. Aeronautics plans to utilize its global marketing and sales infrastructure for Chassis Plans products and expand the companys activity. The acquisition is driven by the new US defense aid agreement, under which Israel will receive $3.8 billion in military aid annually for 10 years. Aeronautics intends to use the acquired company to carry out ventures funded with US aid money.
Acquisition
Aeronautics TASE IPO gets underway
Aeronautics, an intelligence solutions company based on UAV systems, has completed its IPO on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE). The IPO raised NIS 510 million at a company valuation of over NIS 1 billion. The shareholders, including Bereshit and KCPS funds and Viola Private Equity, sold half of their holdings in the company. The IPO is the largest in Israel this year and one of the biggest in recent years. Aeronautics has subsidiaries and customers in multiple countries, with 35% of its revenue coming from Europe and 30% from Asia. The termination of agreements with two important customers could have a significant impact on the companys business results.
Public Trading
Israeli co Aeronautics wins $30m Mexican drone deal
Aeronautics has sold its Dominator XP UAV long-range system for intelligence missions to Mexico. The deal was estimated to be worth $20-30 million. This is Aeronautics first sale of the Dominator XP, and it marks the companys entry into the export market for UAVs. The Dominator XP is a civilian plane converted into a UAV, known for its reliability and lower maintenance costs. Aeronautics plans to market the UAV in other countries after its installation in Mexico. Aeronautics is controlled by the KCPS, Viola Private Equity, and Bereshit funds.
Customers
