The Israeli Ministry of Defence (IMOD) has taken delivery of a Gulfstream V Special Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA) to replace its trio of ageing Boeing 707s. The aircraft is expected to be joined by a second SEMA GV next year.

As part of the contract, Gulfstream built the platform in Savannah and Lockheed Martin performed structural modifications to ensure the aircraft would meet IMOD’s requirements. Garrett Aviation designed the interior.

An FAA STC was acquired to increase the maximum zero fuel weight of the aeroplane.

“Because today’s onboard electronic components are significantly smaller and lighter than those used onboard the 707s, it made sense to choose a smaller, higher-performance aircraft,” said Pres Henne, Gulfstream’s senior vp of programmes, engineering and testing.