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Air Force buys Israeli counter-drone systems

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Florida National Guard Soldiers from the 265th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) fire a Man-portable Air Defense System, (ManPAD) during a live-fire exercise at a drone July 16, over the desert training area of Fort Bliss, Texas. The ManPad is a shoulder-fired launcher that fires the Stinger missile at low-flying aircraft. The 265th ADA and the 188th ADA, from the North Dakota National Guard, spent several days preparing for the live firing and were evaluated and certified as part of preparation for an upcoming deployment. The 263rd Army Air Missile Defense Command, South Carolina National Guard, serves as the training, validation and certification authority and ensures incoming air defense battalions are ready and capable of completing their mission while deployed to the National Capital Region. (Photo by Sgt. Brad Mincey, 108th Public Affairs Detachment/Released)

The Air Force has awarded a $15.6 million contract to purchase Israeli counter-drone systems.

ELTA North America will provide 21 man-portable aerial defense system kits, according to the Department of Defense contract announcement. The contract covers procurement, delivery and training.

The kits will be produced in Israel, with delivery completed by July 2017. The contract was awarded by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts.

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Michael Peck is a correspondent for Defense News and a columnist for the Center for European Policy Analysis. He holds an M.A. in political science from Rutgers University. Find him at theuncommondefense.com. His email is mikedefense1@gmail.com.