Israel's Iron Dome Missile Production Begins in the US
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
For the first time, Iron Dome interceptor missiles have been manufactured outside of Israel at a new production line in Arkansas, USA. The Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S) plant delivered its first "Tamir" interceptor to Israel's Ministry of Defense. This U.S. production will also supply the "Sky Hunter" interceptor to the U.S. Marine Corps, bolstering joint defense capabilities and potentially facilitating exports to other nations.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Iron Dome interceptor missiles are now being manufactured in the United States for the first time.
- The Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S) plant in Arkansas delivered its first "Tamir" interceptor to Israel.
- The U.S. facility will also produce the "Sky Hunter" interceptor for the U.S. Marine Corps.
- This U.S. production is part of a strategic defense cooperation between Israel and the United States.
- The expanded production is intended to increase interceptor output and support exports to other countries.
- Rafael will also begin producing Iron Dome components in Germany next year.
For the first time, Iron Dome interceptor missiles are being manufactured outside of Israel, with the completion of the first full production run at a facility in the United States. The Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S) plant in East Camden, Arkansas, delivered its first Tamir interceptor, built in America, to Israel's Ministry of Defense.
This new production capability in the U.S. is a result of a joint venture between Israel's Rafael and American company Raytheon, forming R2S. The establishment of this U.S. manufacturing base is part of a strategic defense cooperation between Israel and the U.S., allowing American security assistance funds to finance the procurement. The Camden facility will produce not only Tamir interceptors for Israel's Iron Dome but also the Sky Hunter interceptor, the U.S. version of the Tamir, for the U.S. Marine Corps.
This expansion of joint production is expected to bolster the air defense needs of both nations, enhancing their shared resilience and manufacturing base. The increased production rate is also intended to facilitate the export of Tamir interceptors to additional NATO and other countries. Rafael is also set to begin producing components for the Iron Dome system in Germany next year at a former Volkswagen plant, though interceptors themselves will not be manufactured there.
Officials present at the ceremony included Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, Israeli Consul General Adi Farajon Israel, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency Jason Cothron, IDF Military Attaché Tal Politis, Head of the Homa Directorate Moshe Fatall, Senior Vice President at Rafael Shlomo Tuaf, and R2S CEO Jonathan Casey.
Moshe Fatall stated that the new U.S. production line is a significant step in strengthening joint manufacturing capabilities and accelerating interceptor production across all defense systems. He emphasized that U.S. aid invested back into American industry reinforces the shared production base, deepens partnerships, and enhances the ability of both countries to protect their citizens. Shlomo Tuaf highlighted the 15 years of operational success for the Iron Dome, noting that the Tamir interceptor, the system's core, is now being produced outside Israel for the first time, supporting both Israeli and U.S. defense needs.
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