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 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