Defence

PICTURE: Israeli air force receives first Lizard guided bombs

By Arie Egozi

The Israeli air force has begun taking delivery of its first Lizard-series laser-guided bomb kits from Elbit Systems, after selecting the design to equip its frontline fighter squadrons operating the Boeing F-15I and Lockheed Martin F-16.

Suitable for integration with several warhead sizes, the current Lizard laser designator is available in three operating modes, respectively for against stationary or slow-moving ground targets faster moving targets or for pinpoint strikes using a combination of GPS guidance and terminal laser inputs. The variant selected by Israel does not feature the dual-mode GPS capability, says Elbit.

"The decision to equip the Israeli air force with Lizard represents an important breakthrough for Elbit Systems as a major supplier of laser-guided systems," says Yoram Shmueli, joint general manager of the company's airborne division. Elbit has previously secured contracts to supply Lizard laser-guided bomb kits to several export customers, including NATO member Italy.