Israel, Montenegro sign multi-million dollar defense deal
Historic first government-to-government contract will see Elbit System provide Remote Control Weapon Stations.
By ANNA AHRONHEIMThe Remote Control Weapon Stations (RCWS)(photo credit: MINISTRY OF DEFENSE)
Israel and Montenegro have signed a first government-to-government (GTG) agreement awarding Elbit Systems a contract worth approximately $35 million to provide Remote Control Weapon Stations (RCWS) for their new joint light tactical vehicles.The contract was signed yesterday at the Military Headquarters in Tel Aviv between the International Defense Cooperation Directorate of the Defense Ministry (SIBAT) and the Montenegro Defense Ministry, in the presence of the Montenegrin Delegation led by Defense Minister Pedrag Boskovic, Israeli Defense Ministry general director Maj.-Gen. (res.) Udi Adam, SIBAT director Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas and Finance Department head Victor Weiss.“This first GTG agreement is welcomed and applauded by all of us at the Defense Ministry, as a stepping stone to expanding and deepening our cooperation with the State of Montenegro, a strategic NATO ally and a friend to the State of Israel,” Kulas said.“This agreement reflects the value of Israeli defense innovation in addressing issues that our strategic partners and allies may face. It also reflects the excellent and ever-expanding relations that the Defense Ministry and the State of Israel have with our Montenegrin partners on all levels,” he added. “We look forward to furthering the cooperation and exchange of knowhow with our fellow Mediterranean state, and hosting our Montenegrin friends in Israel on additional celebratory occasions.”The deal awards Elbit a contract for the acquisition of RCWS, which will be integrated into joint light tactical vehicles (JLTVs) manufactured in the US by Oshkosh.According to Elbit, the 12.7 mm. RCWS is lightweight, low silhouette, dual axis and stabilized, mounted externally on board armored vehicles. It allows for accurate firing while on the move and is operated by handlers and Smart Displays by the gunner from inside the vehicle, providing the crew full protection from outside threats.As part of the contract, Elbit will perform full integration of the RCWS onboard the JLTVs over a three-year period and will provide logistic support for a seven-year period. In addition to the procurement of advanced stations and spare parts, the contract includes the transfer of Israeli expertise and know-how via training and guidance with the Montenegrin armed forces and Defense Ministry.Boskovic said the deal was signed following detailed market research and in accordance with the required technical characteristics of the RCWS.“The experience and technological improvement of Israel in the field of defense make the country a credible partner for establishing an appropriate cooperation in this area,” he said.
General manager of Elbit Systems Land & C4I Division Udi Vered said the deal “further expands” the company’s NATO customer base as well as it’s “growing cooperation” with Oshkosh.“We are very proud to introduce our 12.7 mm. RCWS to Montenegro’s armed forces on their 4X4 JLTV,” he said. “We are witnessing a growing demand for our RCWS, of which many hundreds are already operational on board a range of land and naval platforms worldwide, and we trust that additional customers will follow in acquiring our advanced and mature weapon stations.”
