Tel Aviv: The accelerated development of new defence systems following the ongoing war and the 12 days war with Iran, resulted in a major contract for the purchase of advanced next generation infra-red sensors.
The Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) Director General, Maj Gen (Res.) Amir Baram, signed a strategic multi-year contract with Israeli company SCD valued at approximately $115 million. The contract focuses on substantially expanding SCD’s facilities and manufacturing infrastructure to support developing and producing next-generation infrared (IR) sensors across the full IR spectrum — SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR.
The expanded infrastructure will enable production of IR solutions for high-end applications, including area dominance, airborne payloads, space systems, and large-scale defence platforms, incorporating cutting-edge methods and advanced IR technologies.
Manufacturing will occur at SCD’s facilities as part of the Director General’s strategy to strengthen Israel’s defence production base and local industries, allowing full support for current and future IDF operational needs. This approach ensures access to the most advanced technologies while delivering optimal solutions to modern warfare challenges.
Head of the Israeli Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D), Brig Gen (Res.) Dr Daniel Gold said that the contract is part of a large effort to deepen Israeli independence across the entire value chain.
“In the sensor domain, we are building breakthrough domestic production capabilities for IR technologies at the forefront of global innovation that will deliver results for many years to come, while strengthening Israel’s industrial base. These capabilities will serve the entire defence establishment and provide the technological building blocks for tomorrow’s advanced systems, ensuring Israel’s technological superiority and qualitative edge,” Brig Gen (Res.) Dr Daniel Gold said.
CEO of SCD, Kobi Zaushnizer said that the enhanced capabilities will not only support future defence requirements but will also strengthen Israel’s industrial and technological independence in this critical field.
“Innovation in the IR domain is critical not only for national defence but also for our global partners. This investment empowers SCD to provide the most advanced, reliable, and high-performance infrared technologies to the international defense community,” stated Kobi Zaushnizer.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
