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Elbit Systems

Companies/Israel  •  Curated by Admin Timeline.sg

Elbit Systems is an Israeli defense electronics company founded in 1966, evolving from a small startup to a global leader in airborne, land, and naval systems through strategic mergers, acquisitions, and technological innovations. Its journey includes landmark contracts, financial milestones, and expansions into international markets.

Chronological Storyline (39 Milestones)

1966 CE

Elbit Systems Founded

Elbit Computers is founded in Haifa, Israel, as a spin-off from the Ministry of Defense, focusing on defense electronics and computing. #defense #electronics

Elbit Systems Founded
Elbit Systems Founded
By Israel Defense Forces - Ground Forces Combined Corps Exercise, Feb 2010, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34362515
1970 CE

First Computer for IDF

Elbit delivers its first tactical computer to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), marking its entry into military computing. #military #technology

1973 CE

Head-Up Display (HUD) Development

Elbit develops its first head-up display (HUD) for fighter aircraft, becoming a pioneer in avionics. #aviation #defense

1978 CE

IPO on Tel Aviv Stock Exchange

Elbit goes public on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE), raising capital for expansion. #finance #IPO

1980 CE

Elbit Medical Imaging Spin-off

Elbit spins off its medical imaging division, later known as Elbit Imaging, focusing on diagnostic systems. #medical #technology

1981 CE

Acquisition of Orbitronics

Elbit acquires Orbitronics, a defense electronics firm, expanding its capabilities in communications and EW. #mergers #acquisitions

1982 CE

First International Contract with South Africa

Elbit signs a contract with the South African Air Force for avionics upgrades, marking its first major export deal. #exports #defense

1985 CE

Helicopter Night Vision Systems

Elbit develops advanced night vision systems for attack helicopters, enhancing night combat capabilities. #nightvision #military

1990 CE

Elbit Systems of America

Elbit establishes a subsidiary in the United States, Elbit Systems of America, to pursue North American contracts. #expansion #USA

1993 CE

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Division

Elbit enters the UAV market with the Hermes 450, a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. #UAV #drones

1995 CE

Acquisition of IAI's Elta Division

Elbit acquires the Elta radar division from Israel Aerospace Industries, bolstering its radar and electronic warfare capabilities. #radar #acquisition

1996 CE

Merger with Elop Electro-Optics

Elbit merges with Elop (Electro-Optics Industries Ltd.), forming a powerhouse in electro-optics and defense. #merger #optoelectronics

1999 CE

Reorganization as Elbit Systems Ltd.

The company reorganizes and changes its name to Elbit Systems Ltd., unifying its subsidiaries under one brand. #corporate #restructuring

2000 CE

Acquisition of Tadiran Communications

Elbit acquires Tadiran Communications, a leading control and communications firm, expanding its C4ISR portfolio. #communications #C4ISR

2002 CE

Hermes 1500 UAV Unveiled

Elbit launches the Hermes 1500, a long-endurance high-altitude UAV, for reconnaissance missions. #UAV #Hermes

2005 CE

Acquisition of EFW (Elbit Ferrahi Ways)

Elbit acquires EFW, an Israeli defense electronics firm, further strengthening its electronic warfare capabilities. #acquisition #defense

2006 CE

Second Lebanon War: Operational Use of Systems

Elbit's systems, including Hermes UAVs and night vision, are extensively used by the IDF during the Second Lebanon War. #military #conflict

2007 CE

Acquisition of Solel Boneh Military Division

Elbit acquires the military contracting unit of Solel Boneh, adding infrastructure and fortification capabilities. #infrastructure #acquisition

2008 CE

Acquisition of Mikro-Tek and MTL Systems

Elbit acquires Mikro-Tek (simulation) and MTL Systems (avionics), expanding into training and simulation. #simulation #training

2010 CE

Iron Dome Integration

Elbit provides key components for the Iron Dome missile defense system, including the radar and command systems. #defense #technology

2012 CE

Acquisition of IMI's Small Arms Division

Elbit acquires Israel Military Industries' small arms division (later IWI), entering the small arms market. #smallarms #acquisition

2013 CE

Revenues Top $3 Billion

Elbit Systems reports annual revenues exceeding $3 billion for the first time, driven by international sales. #financial #growth

2014 CE

Acquisition of Nitek and C4I Inc.

Elbit acquires Nitek (electronics) and C4I Inc. (US-based C4ISR), expanding its presence in the US market. #USmarket #acquisition

2015 CE

Hermes 450 StarLiner UAV

Elbit unveils the Hermes 450 StarLiner, a UAV with satellite communication capabilities for extended range. #UAV #satellite

2016 CE

Elbit Systems of America Acquires Sparton

Elbit Systems of America acquires Sparton Corporation, a US-based defense electronics manufacturer, for $285 million. #acquisition #USA

2017 CE

Acquisition of IMI (Israel Military Industries)

Elbit completes the acquisition of Israel Military Industries (IMI), absorbing its missile, rocket, and small arms production. #defense #acquisition

2018 CE

Revenues Surpass $4 Billion

Elbit Systems reports record revenues of $4.2 billion for the fiscal year 2018, with a strong order backlog. #financial #milestone

2019 CE

Acquisition of FlightSafety's Simulation Business

Elbit acquires FlightSafety's military simulation business for over $200 million, expanding its training portfolio. #simulation #training

2020 CE

IPO of Elbit Systems on Nasdaq

Elbit Systems lists its shares on the Nasdaq stock exchange, providing access to US capital markets. #IPO #Nasdaq

2020 CE

Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Team for US Army

Elbit partners with Lockheed Martin to compete for the US Army's Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG) contract. #partnership #nightvision

2021 CE

Acquisition of Raytheon’s EW Business

Elbit acquires Raytheon's electronic warfare (EW) business for $175 million, strengthening its EW capabilities. #EW #acquisition

2021 CE

Selected for US Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon

Elbit's IWI subsidiary wins a contract to supply parts for the US Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW). #smallarms #contract

2022 CE

Revenues Reach $5.5 Billion

Elbit Systems reports annual revenues of $5.5 billion, driven by increased global defense spending and organic growth. #financial #growth

2022 CE

Elbit Wins Contract for Brazil's IAC

Elbit wins a $400 million contract to supply advanced avionics for Brazil's IAC (Infantry Automatic Cannon) program. #international #contract

2023 CE

Elbit Unveils Next-Generation EW System

Elbit introduces a new electronic warfare suite capable of AI-driven threat detection and response. #AI #EW

2023 CE

Acquisition of Canadian Simulator Firm CAE's Defense Unit

Elbit acquires CAE's defense simulation business for $1.2 billion, becoming a global leader in training and simulation. #simulation #acquisition

2024 CE

Record Order Backlog of $18 Billion

Elbit Systems reports a record order backlog of $18 billion, reflecting strong demand for its defense products. #financial #backlog

2024 CE

Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries Partnership

Elbit and IAI announce a strategic partnership to develop unmanned aerial systems for international customers. #partnership #drones

2025 CE

Expansion of US Manufacturing Facilities

Elbit opens a new manufacturing plant in Texas, USA, to support growing US and NATO contracts. #expansion #manufacturing