US Begins Full Production of Iron Dome Interceptor Missiles
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
The United States has begun full production of the "Tamir" interceptor missile for Israel's "Iron Dome" air defense system at a new facility in Arkansas. The Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S) plant is the first outside Israel to produce the Tamir, which will also be adapted as the SkyHunter for the U.S. Marine Corps. This expansion aims to increase joint industrial capacity and accelerate missile production for both nations' defense needs. The initiative is part of ongoing U.S.-Israel cooperation in missile defense.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The U.S. has started full production of the "Tamir" missile for Israel's "Iron Dome" at a new Arkansas facility.
- The Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S) plant is the first outside Israel to produce the Tamir missile.
- The facility will also produce the SkyHunter, the U.S. version of the Tamir, for the U.S. Marine Corps.
- This production expansion aims to increase joint industrial capacity and accelerate missile output for both countries.
- The move is part of ongoing U.S.-Israel cooperation in missile defense technology and production.
- The Iron Dome system has reportedly achieved over 10,000 successful interceptions in its 15 years of operation.
The United States has commenced the complete manufacturing and assembly of the "Tamir" interceptor missile, a key component of Israel's "Iron Dome" air defense system, on American soil. This move signifies an expansion of the joint production base between Israeli and American military industries. The first missile was delivered to Israel's Ministry of Defense on Thursday, received by the Homa Directorate, responsible for air and missile defense systems, at the Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S) facility in East Camden, Arkansas.
The R2S factory is the first facility outside Israel to produce Tamir missiles. It was established by Israel's Rafael company in partnership with American firm Raytheon, as part of their joint R2S project and broader U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation. The new production line aims to enhance joint industrial capacity and accelerate the output of interceptor missiles for the Iron Dome system, as Israel works to bolster its air defense missile stockpiles. The facility will also produce the SkyHunter missile, the U.S. version of the Tamir, for use in the U.S. Marine Corps' MRIC system, serving the air defense needs of both nations.
Attendees at the missile delivery ceremony included Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, officials from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Rafael, Raytheon, and the Israeli military attaché in Washington. The Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that the Iron Dome system has achieved over 10,000 successful interceptions in its nearly 15 years of operation. The system was developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense's Homa Directorate and Rafael, with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency participating in Israeli missile defense programs. Israel's multi-layered air defense, developed with U.S. cooperation, also includes the "David's Sling" and "Arrow" systems.
Moshe Vital, Head of the Homa Directorate, described the new U.S. production line as a "significant element in strengthening the joint production capabilities of Israel and the United States," aligning with the ministry's strategy to "accelerate the production pace of interceptor missiles across all defense systems." Vital noted that a portion of U.S. aid to Israel is being reinvested into American industry, thereby bolstering the joint production base and cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.
He added that the factory will produce both Tamir and SkyHunter for the U.S. Marines, characterizing the model as based on "Israeli engineering and American production." Rafael and Raytheon have collaborated on interceptor missile production in the U.S. for over a decade, with the new factory representing a move towards full Tamir missile production within the United States.
Mentioned
