Senior Vice President of Marketing Asia and Africa,
Israel Aerospace Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a global leader in aerospace and defence, specializing in advanced technologies across sectors such as space, air, land, naval, cyber, and homeland security, serving both defence and commercial markets. “IAI considers the Asian defence market to be a significant one. The region has recently faced increased challenges, leading to increased budgets and a need for the latest cutting-edge systems,” says Maxim Zemer, Israel Aerospace Industries’ Senior Vice President of Marketing for Asia and Africa. In an interview with Aeromag, he talks about IAI’s capabilities, products, export operations, and participation at Vietnam Defence Expo 2024.
IAI is renowned for its innovative solutions in defence technologies. How does IAI collaborate with clients and industries to tailor solutions to their specific needs and challenges?
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 solutions for almost any requirement. We look forward to showing our systems at the Vietnam Defense Expo and demonstrating how they are backed by extensive field-proven experience, providing the optimal solution for the region.
What role do you see artificial intelligence playing in modern warfare, and how is it transforming strategies and decision-making on the battlefield?
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 analytical infrastructure capable of detecting and alerting anomalies in the operating environment. Through a distinct approach to information analysis, IAI’s systems exhibit superior precision and effectively address the operational challenges faced by our global customers.
The Arrow Anti-Ballistic Missile Defence System has successfully intercepted missiles in space. What does this achievement mean for human innovation and international teamwork in defence?
As reported worldwide, IAI’s Arrow missiles have defended Israel from intercontinental ballistic missile attacks, a unique capability only available to a few countries in the world. Our enemies no longer pose a real strategic threat to Israeli territory due to the superior performance of the Arrow missiles. This capability has caught the attention of our friends around the world and led to Israel’s most strategic contract to provide a significant European power with a defence level similar to that of Israel.
What are the primary objectives and expectations for IAI at the Vietnam Defence Show?
The Vietnam Defense Expo 2024 provides IAI with an opportunity to display our state-of-the-art technologies while broadening new and existing partnerships within Vietnam and other global partners. Additionally, we are delighted to share the ongoing success of our collaboration with our local office.
Can you discuss the key technologies or products you are showcasing in Vietnam?
We will present the Barak MX – an advanced air and missile defence system that enables launch optimization and threat management; the Wind Demon – a long-range air-to-surface cruise missile (ASM) designed to neutralize 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.
How is IAI positioning itself in Southeast Asia? How significant is the Southeast Asian market in today’s geopolitical landscape?
IAI considers the Asian defence market to be a significant one. The region has recently faced increased challenges, leading to increased budgets and a need for the latest cutting-edge systems. We believe that the Asian defence market has significant potential and an excellent fit between our solutions and the needs of our customers.
What are IAI’s goals and aspirations for the future, particularly concerning growth, market expansion, and exports?
We believe that the Asian defence market will be one of the most important defence markets in the world in the future. As such, IAI will continue to invest in this market through long-term partnerships with local companies, technology transfer, personnel, and providing cutting-edge technology to our customers.
