Israeli defence supplier Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has formally announced the opening of its Melbourne office as it seeks to take advantage of significant ADF recapitilisation programs.
The company has been operating out of the new office since August; it closed a Canberra office just a few years ago. The new company will be managed by an Israeli and local team engaged in deepening the inter-industrial relationship between Rafael and Australian companies to create joint ventures and joint production and marketing of systems.
Several Rafael systems have been in use for years by the Australian Army, including remote-controlled weapon stations, naval systems, and aerial attack guidance systems.
Giora Katz, executive VP of Marketing and Business Development at Rafael, said the move is part of Rafael's global strategy to create local partnerships with companies in various countries to assist in development and manufacturing operations.
“Rafael has over 100 such JV’s, including a manufacturing facility in India, and we have recently signed agreements with Australia's Bisalloy for the supply of metals for the manufacture of military systems and with Varley for the creation of cooperation and the establishment of an infrastructure for joint production of Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles," Katz said.
Rafael is eyeing adjacent opportunities including the provision of support to future Rafael products such as the Iron Dome’s interceptor Tamir paired with AMRAAM for Land 19 Phase 7B, the Trophy Active Protection System for Land 400 Phase 2 and remote weapons stations for Land 400 Phase 3.