European country orders targeting system
Lod, Israel (UPI) Jun 8, 2012 - An unidentified Western European country has ordered a ground observation and target acquisition system from Israel Aerospace Industries.

The contract announcement from IAI, which didn't disclose the monetary value of the sale, coincided with the announcement from another Israeli defense company that it intends to showcase at an exhibition in France a new, small jamming system to counter improvised explosive devices, the main cause of casualties for U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan.

"Netline has developed a breakthrough technology -- miniaturized jamming exciters," said Netline Communications Technologies Ltd. "This new technology has enabled the creation of extremely small, lightweight, accurate jammers, such as the C-Guard HHJ and the PJP - Portable Jammer Pack that will also be highlighted at the show."

The ground target acquisition - with an optional designation system -- ordered from AIA can be used on vehicles and on the ground and can be operated by remote control. It is also compatible with NATO's laser-guided munitions.

Among its features are a north-finding module, map capabilities and stabilized electro-optical sensors.

"We are pleased by the customer's selection of GTADS ...," IAI said. "GTADS combines IAI's capabilities in stabilization, electro-optics and image processing technologies, and provides a unique and advanced solution to the growing requirements for portable and accurate targeting systems for use by modern ground forces."

No delivery schedule for the GTADS was disclosed.

Netline's counter-IED products will be on display at next week's Eurosatory exhibition in Paris.

On display will be C-Guard HHJ, a handheld cellular and radio frequency jamming system. Netline said the product is lightweight and blocks numerous cellular frequency bands, which can be used to remotely detonate an IED. The unit providing maximum total output of 6W of power through a single antenna.

The PJP- Portable Jammer Pack is for indoor applications, designed for use in urban warfare & low intensity conflict in which robots are used in unexploded ordnance disposal. It features an omni-directional antenna and five frequency bands.

Eurosatory 2012 is a major defense and security event that draws exhibitors from around the world. A U.S. participant will be Oshkosh Defense, which is highlighting its Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle.

Oshkosh said the tactical ambulance variant of the M-ATV will participate in live demonstrations at the show. The company's M-ATV Special Forces Vehicle will be in static display.

"The M-ATV platform has provided exceptional off-road mobility and crew protection to coalition forces in Afghanistan, and we look forward to showing what this highly capable variant can do at Eurosatory," said Serge Buchakjian, senior vice president and general manager of International Programs for Oshkosh Defense.

"Attendees will have an opportunity to see in person how the M-ATV Tactical Ambulance's unique capabilities can best serve military medics and handle fast and easy loading of patients for safe recovery and evacuation on the battlefield."