Defense Ministry Director-General Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram on Monday announced a strategic multi-year contract with Semiconductor Devices (SCD), valued at approximately $115 million.
According to the ministry, the contract focuses on “substantially expanding SCD’s facilities and manufacturing infrastructure to support developing and producing next-generation infrared (IR) sensors across the full IR spectrum – SWIR [Short-Wave Infrared imaging], MWIR [Medium Wavelength Infrared], and LWIR [Long Wave Infrared].”
Many of these systems can be used for drones and a variety of other military platforms.
SWIR uses a specific range of light wavelengths to capture reflected light and provide detailed images. This allows users to “see beyond the visible” for a number of military, industrial, surveillance, and agricultural applications. These imagers can capture clear detail through smog, clouds, and haze.
MWIR is utilized when detail is more important than exact temperature, as well as for long-range targets. It is used to identify enemy assets, track missiles, gather intelligence, and provide precise targeting information for vehicles and aircraft by producing high-resolution thermal images, even in complete darkness.
Cameras can also be used as perfect tools for airport perimeter and other security measures, in addition to other military applications – and for research by engineers and scientists.
They are also good detection systems for gas leaks and related phenomena, some of which are invisible to the human eye.
LWIR systems detect radiated temperatures that indicate important information to the operator and are the most commonly used infrared systems.
For example, these systems are critical in military and wildlife applications, with the ability to detect thermal emissions through foliage and in complete darkness.
The expanded infrastructure will enable production of IR solutions for high-end applications, including area dominance, airborne payloads, space systems, and large-scale defense platforms, incorporating cutting-edge methods and advanced IR technologies, the ministry said.
Manufacturing to occur at SCD's facilities as part of a Baram initiative
Manufacturing will occur at SCD’s facilities as part of Baram’s “strategy to strengthen Israel’s defense production base and local industries, allowing full support for current and future IDF operational needs,” according to a statement.
Further, the ministry said that this approach ensures access to the most advanced technologies while delivering optimal solutions to modern warfare challenges.
SCD, in partnership with the ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), has been seeking applied research proposals from Israeli academic institutions in recent months in areas such as advanced materials for SWIR/e-SWIR/MWIR, AI networks for infrared image enhancement, Cryogenic VCSELs (vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers) and optics, integrated ROICs and digital pixel sensors, and cost-effective III-V architectures.
Head of DDR&D Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Daniel Gold said, “We are working to deepen Israeli independence across the entire value chain. In the sensor domain, we are building breakthrough domestic production capabilities for IR technologies at the forefront of global innovation that will deliver results for many years to come, while strengthening Israel’s industrial base.”
“These capabilities will serve the entire defense establishment and provide the technological building blocks for tomorrow’s advanced systems, ensuring Israel’s technological superiority and qualitative edge,” he said.
Head of the directorate’s R&D Division Brig.-Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes said that the ministry and SCD’s “investment in establishing new infrastructure and expanding production will enable increased manufacturing capacity and advanced technological capabilities for next-generation IR detectors in the coming years.
“SCD detectors are already a critical component in many IDF electro-optical systems today, and this project will enable both expanded procurement and future system development led by the DDR&D’s R&D Division,” he explained.
SCD CEO Kobi Zaushnizer responded by saying, “Innovation in the IR domain is critical, not only for national defense but also for our global partners. This investment empowers SCD to provide the most advanced, reliable, and high-performance infrared technologies to the international defense community.”