Sponsored by EOS
www.eos-aus.com
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01 May 26. Elbit Systems Ltd.’s FUSE will provide its THOR Group 2 Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) to the U.S. Army through a partnership with Mistral Inc., under an established U.S. cooperation framework between the companies.
This follows a U.S. Army contract awarded to Mistral Inc., by the Army Contracting Command, for the procurement of the THOR UAS and mission payloads for the U.S. Army’s in support of company-level small UAS needs.
Under the contract, the companies will provide FUSE’s THOR Group 2 UAS, a backpack‑portable, rapidly deployable, fully autonomous multi-rotor VTOL mini-UAS, designed to support a wide range of company‑level tactical missions. Avandra LLC, Elbit Systems’ U.S.-based subsidiary, will closely pair with FUSE to provide local training, field & technical support.
The THOR Group 2 UAS is designed to provide small tactical units with an organic aerial capability supporting missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and identification, communications relay, resupply and limited cargo delivery, as well as configurable effects options, as mission requirements evolve. Designed for fast tactical employment, THOR reduces operator workload through autonomous takeoff and landing, autonomous mission execution and multi‑platform operation, while enabling rapid role changes at the point of need through modular payload integration. The system reflects a mature and configurable architecture intended to support the integration of a variety of mission payloads.
“Elbit Systems is proud to support this effort alongside Mistral and FUSE” said Yoav Poizner, Vice President, Marketing, Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber. “The U.S. Army’s decision to select THOR as its company-level multi-rotor system, validates the technological and operational advantages offered by our solutions. Together, we look forward to helping deliver a dependable system that can be configured for evolving mission needs and scaled for operational demand.”
“This award is about getting a proven, company-relevant capability into soldiers’ hands with speed, and doing it with a system designed for real operational conditions,” said Yoav Banai, Senior Vice President – Business Development at Mistral. “By pairing Mistral’s U.S.-based integration and delivery focus with FUSE’s THOR platform, we’re positioned to provide a rapidly deployable Group 2 VTOL UAS that supports multi-mission teams and adapts quickly as the operational picture changes.”
27 April 26. Elbit Systems announced today the inauguration of a new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) facility in Chitila, Romania, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion across Europe and its long‑standing partnership with Romania’s defense industry.
The new site is the seventh production facility established by Elbit Systems in Romania, underscoring the company’s long‑term commitment to local industrial cooperation, technological development, and the strengthening of European defense capabilities. Developed within the framework of the Watchkeeper XR program, the facility establishes an integrated capability for the production, integration, testing, and maintenance of advanced UAS platforms in Romania.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Romanian government and armed forces, alongside senior executives from Elbit Systems.
At the beginning of his remarks, Yoram Shmueli, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace, noted that the Watchkeeper XR flew for the first time in Romanian skies earlier today. “The facility we inaugurate today is the seventh production site Elbit has established in Romania, a clear demonstration of our long-term commitment and confidence in the local ecosystem,” he said. Referring to the live UAV demonstration held during the event, he added, “what we deliver is not just a platform, but capability: systems that are reliable, mission-ready, and prepared to operate where and when they are needed.”
The Chitila facility supports the production of one of the most advanced UAS platforms in its class – integrating cutting‑edge technologies, operational experience, and lessons learned from recent conflicts around the world. These systems, built locally in Romania, will provide the Romanian Armed Forces with modern, operational‑proven capabilities and a strong technological advantage – while reinforcing national self‑sufficiency and sustainability.
Elbit Systems has been active in Romania for over three decades, employing more than 1,000 Romanian professionals across its facilities. Beyond defense manufacturing, the company’s continued investment exemplifies its broader commitment to developing Made in Romania industrial capabilities – including technology transfer, production, and life‑cycle support.
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EOS
Electro Optic Systems (EOS) is an Australian technology company with a global presence, delivering advanced solutions across defence and space. With operations in Australia, the United States, Europe, Singapore, the Middle East and New Zealand, EOS has been designing and manufacturing precision technologies for more than four decades.
In defence, EOS is a leader in remote weapon systems, with more than 2,500 delivered and proven in operational service with allied forces. The company designs, develops and manufactures highly accurate counter-drone solutions for force and asset protection. These include both kinetic and high energy laser options that defeat drone threats effectively and at a comparatively low cost per shot. In August 2025, EOS secured the world’s first export contract for a 100 kW-class high energy laser weapon, with delivery scheduled between 2025 and 2028.
In the space domain, EOS is internationally recognised for its expertise in space domain awareness and space control. Its ground-based optical systems track and characterise satellites and debris to support both defence and commercial operations worldwide. Through its New Zealand subsidiary, EOS also designs and manufactures precision optics for space and astronomy applications.
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