Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. last Friday said it has acquired California-based PVP Advanced EO System (PVP AEO), a deal that expands its presence in the U.S.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Rafael acquired PVP AEO through its U.S. subsidiary Rafael USA, Inc., and executed the transaction under a stock purchase agreement.
PVP AEO develops, manufactures and sustains electro-optic (EO) systems for air, land, sea and homeland security applications. The company’s sensors are on Customs and Border Protection’s Integrated Fixed Towers and Mobile Video Surveillance System that are used to provide security along the southern U.S. border.
“This acquisition is part of RAFAEL’s continued strategic investments, with the purpose of transferring cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies, products and systems into the United States in support of U.S. national security,” Yoav Har Even, president and CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, said in a statement. “Until recently most of RAFAEL’s operations in the U.S. were in partnership with U.S. Tier-one prime contractors, while the majority of workshare was manufactured in Israel. PVP AEO will complement and enhance engineering and manufacturing capabilities stateside, while strengthening our U.S. supply chain to better support our prime contractors and U.S. warfighters.”
In addition to border security applications, PVP AEO’s cameras are used for counter-drone activities and are also installed in armored vehicles, aircraft, and ships. The company sells its products in North and South America, Asia and the Middle East.
Some of RAFAEL’s products include the IRON DOME missile defense system and the TROPHY active protection system to protect armored vehicles from strikes by anti-armor munitions.
The acquisition was approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. and is governed by a national security agreement.