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Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) was establishes in 1953 as Bedek Aviation Company, dedicates to provide aircraft overhaul and maintenance services. Al Schwimmer, an American Jew established the company with the support o David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister IAI grew and developed with the State of Israel and played an important role in promoting the country's defense, industry, technology anc economy.
IAI is the largest industrial company in Israel with 2002 sales of $2.062 billion, and a recorc high of $4.5 billion in backlog of orders. The company employs about 14,400 employees of which 30 percent are academics (mostly engineers and scientists). IAI provides work for ten thousands of households in Israel through direct and indirect contracting.
Since 1953, IAI has met the challenge o providing the most advanced technology anc the highest quality products and services to it: customers. As a result, the company has developed extensive expertise, and, iE recognized world leader in a range of advanced technologies. These include developing manufacturing, overhauling, upgrade and repair of aircraft; missiles, launchers, satellites anc ground control stations; electronic systems avionics, advanced radars, guided weaponry and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
IAI is ranked among leading business companies in Israel, and was rated the best Israeli exporter for 2001, by D&B (Israel)
Cornerstones in IAI's history
- Manufacturing rights of the "Fuga Magister' training aircraft, as well as its life extension program ("Zukit").
- "Nesher" manufacture which lead to the design, development and production of the "Kfir" and later the "Lavi".
- "Arava", IAI's first aircraft for the Short TakE off & Landing (STOL) market.
- "Jet Commander" manufacturing leads to the successful "Westwind" and "Astra" families and the intercontinental "Galaxy".
- Development of the sea-to-sea missile "Gabriel", led to future development of a widE range of sophisticated electronic systems
- "Amos" communications satellite, launches in 1996.
- "Ofeq" family of high resolution imagine satellites; "Ofeq-5" and "EROS Al" (a light weight commercial satellite) are now in orbit The "Ofeq" family has used IAI's "Shavit' launcher.
- "Arrow" Anti Tactical Ballistic Missile -A unique weapon system, that identifies, intercepts and hits enemy ballistic missiles.
The talent, creativity and ingenuity of IAI's management and employees will continue tc lead the company to further success in the future to come.
Moshe Keret
President & CEO
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