First Iron Dome Interceptor Fully Produced in U.S. Plant

For the first time, an interceptor missile for Israel's Iron Dome air defense system has been fully manufactured and assembled on U.S. soil. The Ministry of Defense announced Thursday that the first "Tamir" interceptor produced at a new factory in East Camden, Arkansas, was delivered to the Homa Directorate. This marks the first time Tamir interceptors, developed by Rafael, are being produced outside of Israel. The Arkansas facility is operated by Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S), a joint venture between Rafael and American defense contractor Raytheon.

The establishment of the U.S. production line aims to expand joint manufacturing capabilities between Israel and the United States, accelerate the supply of interceptors to Israel, and bolster missile defense cooperation. The factory will also produce the "SkyHunter," the American version of the Tamir missile, for the U.S. Marine Corps' MRIC system, thereby supporting the air defense needs of both nations. The Iron Dome system, developed by the Homa Directorate in MAFAT, Rafael, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, has successfully intercepted over 10,000 targets in its 15 years of operation.

Moshe Patal, head of the Homa Directorate, stated that the new production line is a significant step in increasing interceptor stockpiles and enhancing joint production capabilities. He emphasized that the system has repeatedly saved lives and reduced property damage in Israel. Shlomo Tuaf, Senior Vice President at Rafael, highlighted the achievement of producing the Tamir interceptor, the "heart of the system," outside Israel for the first time. The delivery ceremony was attended by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Senator Tom Cotton, IDF Attaché in Washington Maj. Gen. Tal Politis, and representatives from the Ministry of Defense, Rafael, Raytheon, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.