Collaboration to yield Iron Dome Weapon System production facility

Raytheon Missiles & Defense officials said the firm has partnered with the Israeli-based defense technology company RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. to establish a domestic Iron Dome Weapon System production facility.

“This will be the first Iron Dome all-up-round facility outside of Israel, and it will help the U.S. Department of Defense and allies across the globe obtain the system for defense of their service members and critical infrastructure,” Raytheon Missiles & Defense Systems’ said Sam Deneke, vice president of Land Warfare & Air Defense business execution.

The venue is slated to produce both the Iron Dome Weapon System, which consists of the Tamir interceptor and launcher, officials said, as well as the SkyHunter missile, a U.S. derivative of Tamir.

Both Tamir and SkyHunter intercept incoming cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and short-range targets, such as rockets, artillery, mortars, and other aerial threats.

“We are excited about this new stage in our partnership with Raytheon and proud of our U.S. production,” said Brig. Gen. Pini Yungman, executive vice president for Air and Missile Defense of RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems. “We have long partnered on U.S. production of Iron Dome and are pleased to increase manufacturing and bring SkyHunter to the U.S.”