First Iron Dome Interceptor Fully Produced in US
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The first "Tamir" interceptor missile for Israel's Iron Dome system, manufactured entirely in the United States, has been delivered to Israel's Ministry of Defense. The production facility in Arkansas is a joint venture between Rafael and Raytheon, expanding U.S.-Israel defense cooperation. The plant will also produce the SkyHunter variant for the U.S. Marine Corps, bolstering air defense for both nations. This development is part of a strategy to accelerate interceptor production and strengthen joint manufacturing capabilities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The first "Tamir" interceptor missile for Israel's Iron Dome system was fully manufactured and assembled in the U.S.
- The production facility in East Camden, Arkansas, is a joint venture between Rafael and Raytheon.
- The plant will also produce the SkyHunter, the U.S. version of the Tamir, for the U.S. Marine Corps.
- This U.S. production capability expands strategic defense cooperation and shared manufacturing infrastructure between Israel and the U.S.
- The Iron Dome system has achieved over 10,000 successful operational interceptions in 15 years.
- The new production line aims to accelerate interceptor manufacturing for Israel's multi-layered air defense systems.
The first "Tamir" interceptor missile for Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, manufactured and assembled entirely in the United States, has been delivered to Israel's Ministry of Defense. The milestone occurred at the Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S) facility in East Camden, Arkansas, marking the first production site for Tamir missiles outside of Israel. This plant is a joint venture between Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and American company Raytheon.
The establishment of this U.S. production capability is a key element of the strategic defense cooperation between Israel and the United States, expanding the shared manufacturing infrastructure. Beyond producing Tamir missiles for Israel's defense, the facility will also manufacture the SkyHunter, the U.S. variant of the Tamir, for the U.S. Marine Corps' MRIC system. This dual production is expected to bolster the air defense needs of both nations and enhance their collective resilience and manufacturing base.
The ceremony was attended by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, Israeli Consul General Adi Farjon Israel, Deputy Director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) MG Jason Kuthorn, IDF Military Attaché to Washington MG Tal Politis, Head of the Arrow Division at the Ministry of Defense's DDR&D Moshe Petal, Senior Vice President at Rafael Shlomo Toaff, R2S CEO Jonathan Casey, and other dignitaries.
The Iron Dome system, developed by the Arrow Division at DDR&D and Rafael, has successfully intercepted over 10,000 targets in its 15 years of operation. The U.S. MDA is a partner with the Israeli Ministry of Defense in the joint program to defend Israel. The Arrow Division leads the implementation of the ministry's strategy to accelerate interceptor production for all multi-layered air defense systems, including Arrow, David's Sling, and Iron Dome, in collaboration with the MDA and defense industries in both countries.
Moshe Petal stated that the new U.S. production line is a significant step in strengthening joint Israeli-U.S. manufacturing capabilities, accelerating interceptor production across all defense systems. He added that U.S. aid invested back into American industry reinforces the shared manufacturing base, deepens partnerships, and enhances the ability of both nations to protect their citizens.
Shlomo Toaff highlighted that the Tamir interceptor, the core of the Iron Dome, is now produced outside Israel for the first time. He expressed pride in the production line manufacturing both Tamir and SkyHunter missiles, calling it a growth for Rafael in the U.S. with Israeli engineering and American manufacturing, mutually strengthening each other.
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