Interview with Yedidia Yaari, Rafael’s President and CEO

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Rafael is one of the more advanced Israeli defense companies with a range of systems that are being used by armed forces around the world. In recent years some of the systems that have been developed for armies have been adapted for use in homeland security.

The best example is the company’s systems that are being used to protect under sea resources. This include payloads for UAS and unmanned boats that can perform patrols in the area of off shore natural resources.

With the growing use of unmanned air systems(UAS) around the world, including Asia, do you consider adapting some of your aerial systems for use on these smaller platforms?

Rafael has positioned itself as a provider of end-to-end solutions that address the growing needs of its users for integration of unmanned air systems in a variety of missions. Today’s battlefield relies heavily on Net-Centric Warfare, in which missions and targets are time-sensitive and require fast reaction and reliable communication and information transfer between forces on land, in the air and at sea.

Rafael’s Recce-U, a real-time ISR system for UAVs, is the smaller derivative of our Reccelite surveillance pod. Already installed on a number of UAV’s, it is part of our comprehensive suite, aimed at providing forces the ability “loop-closing”, by means of detection, tracking and identification of targets in missions of maritime security, counter-terror and more.

Rafael’s new development in the area of radio communication is BNET – a software-defined radio has unique high spectrum efficiency, as well as cognitive capabilities, and it offers exceptional connectivity, thereby enhancing the simultaneous exchange of information and communication from UAS of data and video.

In addition, Rafael’s DLV-53 for Wideband Data Link ISTAR applications fits into tactical and high end UAS platforms and it offers the UAV a communication suite that includes LOS, LOS-Relay, Satellite terminal and CAS with ATC in one.

The data received from any given array of ground and air sensors is processed by Rafael’s IMILITE Situational Awareness and Image Exploitation System, which keeps all security elements – from military personnel on the ground to Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs) in the air – connected, informed and synchronized in real-time.

The Israeli defense industries have identified Asia as one of the more potential markets. Some established joint ventures in this part of the world. Do you have plans to go in the same direction?

Today’s defense markets are shifting from buying complete systems from foreign suppliers (BUY) to locally producing such systems (MAKE) – a trend requiring efficient capability to transfer manufacturing technologies, know-how and monitor quality assurance, all that under complex offset rules that requires significant flexibility and resilience to maintain a profitable operation. At Rafael we maintain cooperation with over 100 international companies that gain significant added value from such cooperation.

We understand the growing need for increased cooperation and partnership with global clients, and for maintaining knowledge transfer and adaptation of existing solutions to the specific needs of the user. As such, Rafael is constantly seeking new partnership and joint ventures with Indian companies for cooperation that will help drive forward our mutual ability to address local needs and operational requirements, as well as offset requirements. We are engaged in joint ventures and partnerships with local Indian industries and are in constant search to expand our activities in the country, in cooperation with the DRDO, in order to better address local needs and requirements.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

There were news about your effort to put some of Rafael’s systems on Indian platforms like the Tejas and the new fighter selected by the Indian airforce. Has this effort resulted in contracts?

Rafael specializes in the development, manufacturing and support of a vast range of aerospace systems and technologies, including missiles and weapons, electronic warfare and self protection, reconnaissance and intelligence collection, as well as processing systems, analysis, and dissemination tools, airborne data-links, communications command and control, and much more. Rafael’s systems are in use by many air forces around the world on dozens of different platforms, and they have proven successful in a large variety of missions around the world. These include our Litening and Reccelite Pods for aerial navigation, attack and surveillance, the Python-5 and Derby short and medium range air-to-air missiles, DLV-53 for wideband data-link communication and more.

Some countries in Asia have the need to protect themselves from ballistic threats . Rafael has developed the combat proven Iron Dome interceptor. Is a contract in the region close with South Korea as a leading potential customer?

Rafael offers a full range of air defense systems to ensure efficient responses against all types of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, short to long range missiles and rockets.

Rafael air defense solutions meet the requirements of the army, air force and navy. The systems can be integrated, coordinated and operated by tri-forces to provide comprehensive interoperability and interchangeability.

One of Rafael’s flagship products, which has received worldwide recognition and praise is Iron Dome, an active defense system against short-range missiles and rockets. Since its first deployment in Israel in 2011, the system has already intercepted over 500 rockets and is deployed in key locations around Israel. The system is highly mobile, and is thus easily deployable to protect critical infrastructure sites, civilian areas, and military installations and bases. It is another key element in increasing force survivability as well as maneuverability.

Is India still the primary potential customer in Asia for this system?

India remains a strategic market for Israel’s defense industry and for Rafael in a variety of areas. Our activities are geared towards expanding our portfolio there, through our partnerships and cooperation locally and transfer of knowledge and production.

In general, what are Rafael’s main growth engines in the coming years?

Rafael’s solutions have been instrumental in combat performance around the world, serving the U.S., NATO, Europe, Asian, Australian and other forces. These include our vehicle armor, which has saves thousands of lives in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, our Spike missiles, which have been sold to more than 20 countries, having delivered more than 21,000 missiles and fired more than 3,000 in tests and in combat. Rafael’s airborne Litening navigation and attack pod has had remarkable success by a number of air forces who have noted its central role in peace-keeping and combat missions over the skies of Afghanistan and Libya. Rafael is one of the leading air-to-air and missile defense system houses in the world. Rafael’s combat-proven aerial missiles include the Python-5 and Derby missiles, considered today the most advanced Air-to-Air missiles. These missiles have an air defense application – SPYDER –which provides excellent protection of valuable assets, as well as first-class defence for forces located in the combat area. SPYDER missiles have full commonality with the air-to-air missile version.

Rafael specializes in current and future Land systems. In addition to the traditional battlefield, Rafael’s combat-proven land systems are optimal for the ever-growing arena of urban warfare.

Each system fulfills a unique role in ensuring swift and accurate results, with minimal collateral damage and maximum effectiveness. Together they provide land forces with the necessary fire power, lethality, survivability and maneuverability.

These include the Samson RWS Family of remote weapon stations, the TROPHY Active Protection System for armored vehicles, already combat-proven and integrated on Merkave-4 tanks, and more.