First Iron Dome Missile Fully Produced in US in Milestone for Defense Ties
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The first Iron Dome interceptor missile has been fully manufactured in the United States at a new facility in Camden, Arkansas, a joint venture between Rafael and Raytheon. This marks a significant step in U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation, aiming to accelerate the supply of interceptors for both nations' defense systems. The plant will produce "Tamir" missiles for Israel and the American "SkyHunter" variant for the U.S. Marine Corps. The initiative was celebrated at a ceremony attended by Israeli and American officials, including the Governor of Arkansas and senior defense representatives.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The first Iron Dome interceptor missile has been fully manufactured in the United States at a new facility in Arkansas.
- This production site is a joint venture between Israel's Rafael and American corporation Raytheon.
- The Arkansas plant will produce missiles for both Israel's Iron Dome and the U.S. Marine Corps' SkyHunter system.
- The initiative aims to accelerate the supply rate of interceptors for both countries' defense needs.
- The project signifies a milestone in U.S.-Israeli security cooperation and strengthens the defense alliance.
- The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Governor of Arkansas and Israeli defense representatives.
A significant milestone has been reached in Israeli-American security relations with the completion of the first full production of an Iron Dome interceptor missile on American soil. A ceremony was held at the R2S factory in Camden, Arkansas, where the Iron Dome Directorate in Israel's Ministry of Defense received the initial "Tamir" interceptor manufactured and assembled entirely in the United States. This new facility, a joint venture between Rafael and the American corporation Raytheon, marks the first production site outside of Israel for Iron Dome interceptors. The establishment of this manufacturing capability in the U.S. is part of a shared strategy to accelerate missile defense supply rates, according to the Ministry of Defense.
The Arkansas plant is poised to significantly expand the joint production infrastructure. Beyond producing "Tamir" interceptors for Israel's defense, the factory will also manufacture the "SkyHunter," the American version of the missile, for the U.S. Marine Corps' air defense system, thereby serving the defense needs of both militaries. The project's inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Senator Tom Cotton, Israeli Consul General Adi Farjon Israel, Pentagon representatives, IDF Military Attaché to Washington Maj. Gen. Tal Politis, and senior officials from Rafael and the Ministry of Defense.
Moshe Petal, head of the Iron Dome Directorate, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that Israel's multi-layered defense array, particularly Iron Dome, has saved numerous lives and reduced property damage. He highlighted that the new U.S. production line is a crucial element in enhancing capabilities and accelerating interceptor production, noting that American assistance to local industry strengthens the defense alliance. Shlomo Toaff, Executive Vice President at Rafael, reflected on the 15 years Iron Dome has been operational, saving lives and enabling normal life, and expressed pride in its first production outside Israel, calling it a growth opportunity for Rafael in the U.S. where Israeli engineering and American manufacturing mutually reinforce each other.
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