For the first time, a civilian industry will provide comprehensive maintenance support services for operational systems employed by the Israeli Navy. The agreement aims to increase accessibility and efficiency, while reducing costs. In addition, routine maintenance work will be performed at the highest professional level, thus ensuring optimal operational capabilities. The multi-year agreement will extend for over 20 years and includes maintenance services for dozens of ‘TYPHOON’ remotely-controlled naval weapon stations (RCWS). The services will bolster the technological and operational cooperation between RAFAEL and the Israeli Navy and establish maintenance capabilities for additional systems. The TYPHOON accommodates small- to medium-caliber guns, enabling superior ship perimeter protection.
Executive Vice President and Head of the Land and Naval Division at RAFAEL, Dr. Ran Gozali said: “We thank the Israeli Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Navy for strengthening cooperation with RAFAEL and for confidence expressed in this ground-breaking move. RAFAEL, as the main developer of the weapon stations, has developed extensive know how and accumulated experience in executing major naval projects with clients in Israel and worldwide. We will manage and conduct the maintenance services for the Israeli Navy in the most effective manner and in a way that will ensure the highest degree of operational capability. This agreement is part of RAFAEL’s strategy to increase activity in the field of maintenance and customer support for its customers in Israel and globally.”
Deputy Director General and Head of the Directorate of Production and Procurement, Zeev Landau said: “This is an advanced, first-of-its-kind agreement that will guarantee a maximum accessibility of 80-95% for dozens of TYPHOON and MINI-TYPHOON cannons manufactured by RAFAEL installed on various naval vessels, including battleships and patrol ships.”
Head of the Naval Engineering Department, Capt. Y. said: “The Israeli Navy, together with the DOPP, agreed to the first commitment of its kind with RAFAEL. As part of the commitment, a long-term contract was signed for the maintenance of Typhoon and Mini-Typhoon weapon stations, manufactured by RAFAEL, which are installed on the various vessels operated by the Israeli Navy.”
The TYPHOON is a type of remote weapon station manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel, and it shares similar design principles and common technologies with Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station (Samson RCWS), a land-based system manufactured by the same developer. The high level of stabilization and pointing accuracy results in a high hit probability, even against multiple small and fast maneuvering targets such as in swarm attack scenarios, as well as air targets such as UAVs and drones. The TYPHOON Family is in operational use in 16 international navies, who have successfully integrated the systems on board a vast array of naval vessels, from patrol boats and offshore patrol vessels (OPV) to aircraft carriers. TYPHOON’S worldwide install base includes the surface fleet of the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
