Elbit Appoints Former Israeli General to Lead the Company’s Drone Business

Former Israeli defense force manpower directorate chief Maj. Gen. Hagai Topolansky will join Israel-based defense contractor Elbit Systems Ltd., a spokesperson for the company confirmed to Calcalist on Sunday. Mr. Topolansky will join the company’s intelligence division, headed by Elad Aharonson, where he will manage the drone business.

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Globes first reported on Mr. Topolnasky’s appointment on Thursday.

Elbit develops and manufactures electronics for military applications. The company is known for unmanned aerial vehicles, cybersecurity technology, and passenger aircraft defense systems. Elbit sells mostly to the U.S., Israel, and European governments, but also to Brazil, Chile, Australia and other countries. The company is dual-listed on Nasdaq and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and employees around 12,500 people worldwide with 10,000 based in Israel.

Mr. Topolansky resigned as head of the Israeli military’s force manpower directorate in December 2016 after an army computer containing sensitive information was stolen from his house. Mr. Topolansky began his military career as a fighter pilot and climbed the ranks of the Israeli air force, serving as an airbase commander, and eventually as Chief of Staff of the Israeli air force, reporting to the air force commander.