Maxim Zemer, Senior Vice President for Asia, IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has long been at the forefront of defence and aerospace innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the dynamic security needs of nations worldwide. As one of world’s leading defence companies, IAI continues to strengthen its presence in Asia — a region marked by rapid economic growth and evolving strategic challenges. In this exclusive interview with Asian Defence Journal on the side line of the Vietnam Defence Expo 2024, Maxim Zemer, Senior Vice President for Asia at IAI, shares insights into the company’s strategies, innovations, and vision for the region. From showcasing advanced technologies at the expo to forging meaningful partnerships, Zemer sheds light on how IAI is helping shape the future of defence in Asia.

ADJ: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has had a strong presence in Asia for decades. Could you share insights into IAI’s strategy for expanding partnerships and collaborations across the region?

MZ: IAI has had a significant presence in the Asian market for many years. As a world leader in many military and defence systems, IAI shares its experience and technology with our local partners. Our vision is to become part of the region’s defence community and to support our partners with the best technologies to meet their needs and protect their countries. With the rapid changes in the market, a joint effort is critical to meet today’s challenges in the region.

ADJ: Southeast Asia is a rapidly growing defence market. How does IAI tailor its solutions to meet the specific needs of countries in this region, particularly in terms of technology and affordability?

MZ: As a world-class company, IAI focuses on developing cutting-edge technology and security solutions in various sectors, such as aerospace, air defence, aviation, full combat naval solutions, radars, and electronic warfare. IAI can provide systems for almost any requirement. The Asian defence market has grown in the last few years, with many countries in the region increasing their defence budgets by at least 5% while others are growing theirs even more. At IAI, we consider the Asian defence market to be a significant one. The region has recently faced increased challenges, leading to increased budgets and the latest cutting-edge systems. We are excited to be at the Vietnam Defence Expo 2024 and to share our technologies, backed by extensive field-proven experience, represent the optimal solution for the region. IAI can offer solutions for air, land, space and maritime. Our systems are combat-proven and integrated into many countries around the world, contributing to the continent’s security most effectively.

ADJ: At the Vietnam Defence Expo, IAI is showcasing its capabilities to a diverse audience. Can you highlight the key technologies or systems being presented and their relevance to Vietnam’s defence and security priorities?

MZ: We will present the Barak MX – an advanced air and missile defence system that enables launch optimisation and threat management; the Wind Demon – a long-range air-to-surface cruise missile (ASM) designed to neutralise a wide array of targets at great distances with minimal resources; and the Heron Mk 2 unmanned aerial vehicle — adapted for long-range, medium-altitude flight and carrying out tactical and strategic operations, able to simultaneously carry different payloads designed for a wide variety of missions. In addition, IAI will present the ADA – Anti-Jam GPS System, designed to protect GPS / GNSS navigation from jamming; MMR – a multi-mission radar for air defence and artillery tracking, which locates and classifies all types of airborne targets while producing a real-time aerial situational picture; and MPA-G280, a Maritime Patrol Aircraft that provides comprehensive imagery for tactical and strategic missions.

ADJ: How is IAI leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, to enhance its product offerings for modern defence challenges?

MZ: IAI has extensive experience integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence into our systems. As a leader in ISR systems, all of our sensors are integrated into a central intelligence analysis infrastructure capable of detecting and alerting to anomalies in the operational environment. Through a unique approach to intelligence analysis, IAI’s systems deliver superior accuracy and effectively address the operational challenges faced by our global customers.

ADJ: With Southeast Asia being a maritime-focused region, how does IAI position its naval systems to address the growing needs for coastal and blue-water defence in this area?

MZ: IAI developed the Barak MX, the most advanced naval air defence system, electronic warfare, and electro-optics. As a supplier of the highest naval technologies, IAI works with the local navies and shipyards to supply the necessary systems. At home in Israel, IAI designs and supplies the Israeli Navy’s most critical systems.

ADJ: Cybersecurity and electronic warfare are increasingly critical in modern defence. What innovative solutions does IAI offer in these domains, and how are they being received in the Asian market?

MZ: IAI is at the forefront of designing and manufacturing electronic warfare and cyber technologies. With over 60 years of experience, IAI has provided passive and active electronic warfare technologies to the IDF and other customers around the world. Our systems can be connected to any C4i or BMS system that the local partner is using. Since then, IAI has developed a new ground-shaking technology (AESA EW), which has sparked innovative ideas on how to simultaneously use the EW as a defender and an attacker; the Vietnam Defence Expo offers a brief preview of this technology.

ADJ: The threat from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is evolving. Could you elaborate on IAI’s counter-UAS capabilities and how they align with the requirements of Asian defence forces?

MZ: Counter-UAS technology combines multiple systems into a comprehensive solution. Unlike other companies that produce only one subsystem and integrate components from other OEMs, IAI develops the entire spectrum of technologies in-house. In addition, IAI is one of the few companies in the world that provides “on-the-move” counter-UAS systems to protect moving ground forces or naval vessels. IAI has already delivered its fully proven system to our customers in Asia.

ADJ: Space capabilities are becoming vital for national security. How is IAI supporting Asian countries in developing their space-based defence and surveillance capabilities?

MZ: Unfortunately, we cannot discuss this.

ADJ: Collaboration with local industries is often key to market entry in Asia. Could you discuss IAI’s approach to forming joint ventures or partnerships with Asian defence industries?

MZ: IAI has collaborations in Asia, and we are currently exploring additional opportunities with new and existing for further collaboration. IAI has a lot of experience in developing collaborations with local partners around the world and specifically within the Asian market. We want to cultivate these connections and transfer knowledge and technology to local markets to develop regional capabilities that will benefit both parties.

ADJ: Offset agreements are common in defence procurement in Asia. How does IAI incorporate offset programmes to add value to its partnerships in the region?

MZ: IAI has extensive experience in TOT and local manufacturing. We look to go above and beyond the simple offset requirements and look for a true local-based manufacturing. We are already doing this with our regional partners in Asia and are committed to doing it for future projects.

ADJ: Looking ahead, what is your vision for IAI’s role in Asia’s evolving defence ecosystem, and what can the region expect from the company in the next five years?

MZ: The Asian market is experiencing rapid growth, creating significant opportunities for those who can meet the customer’s evolving needs by offering effective solutions. We anticipate that within the next five years, the Asian defence market will become one of the most significant global defence markets. As such, IAI will continue to invest in this market through long-term partnerships with local companies, the transfer of technology, the provision of staff, and supplying the best technology to our customers. –adj/mhi (Photos: IAI)