[Satellite TODAY 09-29-11] Elbit Systems was awarded a $280 million contract by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) to supply, upgrade and provide maintenance under the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) communications equipment project, Elbit announced Sept. 28.

   Elbit said approximately half of the program is designated to supply new communication systems over the next five years, and the balance will be applied to the upgrade and maintenance of existing systems over a 20-year period. The Israeli military communications project aims to establish a supply arrangement for advanced, operationally available and cost effective communication systems for the IDF.

   “The project we are establishing is a part of the IMOD’s initiative to outsource the revamping of the IDF’s communications inventory in order to make it more efficient. A key part of the project will be performed in a development area, as part of the Israeli Government’s policy to develop industries in the periphery, providing employment for dozens of local residents,” Elbit Systems President and CEO Joseph Ackerman said in a statement.