Israel-based Elbit Systems has acquired International Submarine Engineering (ISE), a Vancouver-based company specializing in autonomous underwater and remotely operated systems. The deal expands the defense group’s presence in uncrewed maritime technologies.
More than 250 underwater vehicles delivered worldwide
Founded in 1974, ISE develops underwater robotics, autonomous systems and remotely operated vehicles. The Canadian company has delivered more than 250 underwater vehicles to customers in over 20 countries.
Elbit says ISE’s expertise will complement its existing portfolio, which includes naval electronic warfare, autonomous systems, precision naval munitions and maritime mission technologies. The acquisition price was not disclosed. The company said the amount was not material to Elbit Systems.
From surface vessels to multi-domain autonomous operations
Elbit says the acquisition will help it connect unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) within a shared mission framework. The company aims to offer naval forces an integrated ecosystem, alongside individual systems tailored to specific customer requirements.
Its maritime portfolio also includes command-and-control systems, electro-optical and sonar technologies, communications and electronic warfare. Elbit expects ISE’s underwater capabilities to strengthen its work in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare.
Seagull provides a foundation for Elbit’s uncrewed naval operations
Over the past decade, Elbit has developed the Seagull uncrewed surface vessel in 12- and 20-metre versions, equipped for mine-clearing and anti-submarine warfare missions. In 2022, the system was showcased at the US Central Command’s Digital Horizon event in the Persian Gulf, which highlighted emerging uncrewed technologies.
The company says its autonomous vessels have been deployed in active military operations, with dozens in service worldwide and additional units in production. Elbit presents the systems as a way to support maritime security while reducing risks to personnel.
Record sales and orders accompany naval expansion
The acquisition comes as Elbit and other major Israeli defense contractors report strong growth. In its second-quarter results, released in August, Elbit reported revenue of $2.3 billion and a record order backlog of $32 billion.
The group is also expanding international cooperation in the naval sector. In February, Elbit and Germany’s TKMS opened a new production line in Israel for submarine components. In May, the companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore joint opportunities in developing, integrating and commercializing advanced naval defense solutions.
