WarSclerotic

The Defense Ministry has signed a deal with Elbit Systems to develop the world’s most advanced cannon in one of the largest and most intricate military procurement deals in Israeli history.

The cannon will be able to automatically select one of several shell types to fire depending on the target and is ultimately intended to replace the Israel Defense Forces’ existing artillery system over the next several years.

The new system will reduce the number of IDF soldiers necessary to operate artillery systems in combat, and will include mobile cannons, rockets, radars, missile units, training simulators and remote-operated aircraft. The agreement also covers maintenance for 20 years.

Elbit Systems was reported to have orders worth $9.4 billion in the works, a 9% growth in sales from the previous year.