Rafael acquires Newcastle based Pearson Engineering as part of its strategic expansion in the United Kingdom

RAFAEL is a world-renowned, Israeli-based defence contractor, specializing in cutting-edge, innovative defence systems, such as the famous TROPHY active protection system, vehicle armour solutions, counter IED technologies and many other systems.

The company is Israel’s third largest defence company, with 8,000+ employees and over 30 subsidiaries worldwide, serving the defence, security and aerospace markets. RAFAEL is a truly global organization, with a strong presence in many major defence markets; this includes the US, India, South Korea most European NATO member countries, including the UK, as well as throughout Asia, Scandinavia, and South America.

“This acquisition is part of RAFAEL’s continued strategic investments, with the purpose of transferring cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies, products and systems into the United Kingdom, in support of UK national security and prosperity”, says M.G (ret.) Yoav Har Even, RAFAEL’S President and CEO. “Until recently, most of RAFAEL’s operations in the UK were in partnership with UK prime contractors, with the majority of workshare manufactured in Israel. Pearson and Responsive Engineering’s activity is supported by an outstanding legacy of excellence in innovation. By acquiring this company, we will be able to enhance and expand Pearson Engineering’s manufacturing capabilities in the UK, thus strengthening our UK supply chain to better support our customers, especially the UK MOD and British armed forces. This will lead to a significant increase in the number of jobs in Newcastle and will build strong links with academic institutions throughout the UK and specifically in North East  England.”

“Pearson Engineering is immensely proud of its life-saving combat engineering systems, which are used by land forces worldwide. This acquisition will not only allow us to enhance our existing product portfolio but will enable the development of innovative, class-leading products and capabilities. RAFAEL’s ambition for Pearson and Responsive brings valuable growth and stability, for our employees, our trusted supply partners in the region and the wider community in the North East. It will undoubtedly create more jobs and generate exciting career opportunities within both companies”, says Craig Priday, Pearson Engineering Managing Director.

“Both RAFAEL and Pearson have an outstanding legacy in force protection capabilities”, says Dr. Ran Gozali, EVP, GM Land and Naval Division for RAFAEL. “RAFAEL’s reactive armour, fitted to most UK armoured vehicles in Iraq, saved the lives of many British soldiers. The UK MOD Challenger 3 program is another point of synergy. Pearson and Responsive are manufacturing the tank’s turret structures and, supported by RAFAEL, Pearson will be able to locally manufacture and integrate the TROPHY active protection system, providing the highest level of protection to the crew. This is a great example of RAFAEL’s commitment to deliver additional cutting-edge technologies and capabilities to Pearson Engineering, to support current and future UK MOD needs.”