Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been awarded a contract by Airbus Defence & Space to supply 16 ELM-2022A maritime patrol radars. The radars will equip the 16 C295 aircraft being purchased by the government of Canada for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

The ELM-2022 provides detection, tracking, classification and identification of maritime vessels in high sea states and low visibility conditions. The radar — which is designed for installation on a wide range of fixed-wing and rotary-wing, manned and unmanned aircraft — provides 360° azimuth and sector mode operation from an antenna located under the fuselage.

To date, IAI has sold more than 250 ELM-2022 Maritime Patrol Radars to customers in more than 25 countries. The company says that the Canadian project is the eighth collaboration with Airbus Defence on maritime patrol radars.

Canada announced the selection of the C295W for its Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) programme in December 2016. The Canadian platforms, which will also be equipped with L3 Wescam electro-optical systems, are scheduled for delivery starting three years after contract award. In service, they will join five Airbus CC-150 aircraft used in the air-to-air refueling, transport, and VIP travel roles.

Including the Canadian order, 185 C295s have been ordered by 25 countries.