IAI has signed an agreement to acquire 50% of BlueBird Aero Systems

The "arms race" between IAI, Rafael and Elbit in the UAV field continues: IAI has signed an agreement to acquire 50% of BlueBird Aero Systems, with an investment of tens of millions of shekels. BlueBird is developing small tactical UAVs. And has been selling them to the Israeli security services and foreign countries for nearly two decades.

As part of the transaction, IAI will acquire the holdings of the Indian company Piramal Technologies, and additional shares of Fiberless Access, and of the company's CEO Ronen Nadir, in Bluebird. Nadir will hold 50% of the company's holdings alongside IAI, and will continue to manage.

IAI, a dominant player in the field of large drones, is making the purchase out of a desire to strengthen in the small drone market, in the military and civilian world.

About a year ago, IAI competed to acquire the UAV manufacturer Aeronautics. The company was eventually acquired by Rafael, in collaboration with businessman Avichai Stolro, for NIS 850 million. Bluebird is a direct competitor of Aeronautics and Elbit in the market in which it operates.