Elbit Systems
Elbit SystemsPR photo

U.S. President Barack H. Obama may be “re-evaluating” his administration's support of Israel, but Israeli-American defense cooperation is going full steam ahead. On Sunday, Elbit Systems of America, a subsidiary of the parent defense systems company in Israel, announced that it had won a $73.4 million contract to supply the U.S. Marines with a laser observation system.

Elbit's Common Laser Range Finder-Integrated Capability (CLRF-IC) will replace the Marine's currently fielded equipment with new, up to date, and more accurate systems that provides 24-hour observation capability, accurate range to targets, the ability to confirm spot on target with laser designation systems, and accurate target location in a variety of conditions, including magnetically disturbed environments, areas with overhead clutter, and in areas where GPS is unavailable, Elbit said, announcing the deal.

The Elbit technology was developed in Israel. Installation work will be done at a Marine facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

“We are pleased to provide the USMC with their new rugged CLRF-IC, a lightweight system that is mission-ready and safer for the foot-mobile Marine,” said Raanan Horowitz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Elbit Systems of America. “Leveraging the innovative capabilities of our imaging, range finding, and degraded environment navigation solutions, Marines are now able to acquire targets without breaking cover from their concealed fighting positions and minimize impact while on the move.”