Elbit bets on UK as its European drone sales hub
JERUSALEM — Elbit Systems has completed the full acquisition of drone maker UAV Tactical Systems (UTACS) in the U.K., with plans to produce models for customers across Europe at the Leicester plant.
UTACS was founded roughly two decades ago as a joint venture between the French Thales Group and Elbit, primarily to compete for drone contracts for the British Army. The venture’s main product was the Watchkeeper, which became fully operational in late 2018.
Elbit’s full ownership of UTACS comes about a year after the British government decided to gradually phase its Watchkeepers out of service.
The Israeli company’s latest drone deals include a purchase of Hermes 900 aircraft by the Singapore military. Elbit is also active in related arenas such as loitering munition with its SkyStriker family and the reconnaissance and intelligence drones with its Skylark and the Magni-X.
The Israeli and French companies did not specify the buyout amount, but Elbit notes that the UTACS purchase came after receiving all required approvals.
Elbit Systems completed the acquisition of UAV Tactical Systems in Leicester, UK, to produce drones for European customers. This acquisition follows the British government's decision to phase out the Watchkeeper drones. Elbit is also involved in other drone technologies, including the Hermes 900 and loitering munitions.
- Elbit Systems acquired UAV Tactical Systems in the UK.
- The Leicester plant will produce drones for European customers.
- UTACS was originally a joint venture with the French Thales Group.
- Elbit's latest drone deals include Hermes 900 for the Singapore military.
- The acquisition follows the British government's decision to phase out Watchkeepers.