Israel’s Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have delivered a Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) G550 aircraft to the Italian Air Force – the second aircraft contracted under the reciprocal arrangement between the two governments in 2012.

CAEW is an early warning and control system developed by IAI subsidiary ELTA System and mounted on the Gulfstream G550 business jet. The Israeli Air Force has been using the platform for 12 years.. The version supplied to Italy features advanced radar with enhanced performance and a NATO-compatible communication system developed jointly by ELTA and has performed to the customer’s satisfaction since, according to IAI.

The G550 CAEW is based on radar installed on the sides of the aircraft. It provides aerial and maritime situational awareness with 360° surveillance of airborne targets in all altitudes, over any terrain and in any weather conditions, including maritime surveillance and can operate at long ranges with for extended periods.
The systems, provided by ELTA, include:

• Advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) four-dimensional radar with 360° detection, identification and tracking of airborne and surface targets;
• Electronic Surveillance Measures system (ESM) covering 360°, detecting emitters at a wide range of frequencies, accurately measuring the emitter, its electronic parameters and its platform;
• NATO-compatible communications system, produced jointly by ELTA and Leonardo;
• Self-Protection System (SPS) with 360° coverage including active and passive sensors, detecting threats approaching the platform, and countermeasures against incoming missiles;
• Mission Computer System (MCS) creating and displaying aerial and maritime situational pictures by integrating data from the various sensors and tactical datalinks.

“CAEW is the culmination of the fruitful collaboration between the ministries of defense of Italy and Israel and is based on mutual understanding of the needs and challenges of each party. Our agreement with the Italian government, of which CAEW is only one result, covers over NIS 4 billion in reciprocal procurement with Israel’s defense industries in addition to Israel’s procurement of 30 trainer aircraft from Italy for its air force. This large-scale collaboration is very significant for the Israeli industry: it leverages advanced technologies used by Israel Defense Forces, including the delivery of two CAEW aircraft and a photography satellite with the world’s most advanced capabilities,” commented Brig.-Gen. (res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of Israel’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D).

TM