Israeli defense technology company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, developer and producer of the Iron Dome missile defense system, is expanding the production of Iron Dome interceptors through a new factory it's establishing in Camden, Arkansas, with an investment of tens of millions of dollars from American aid funds.
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The factory is established in partnership with the American company RTX Corporation, and production of Tamir interceptors for the Iron Dome system is set to begin in mid-2025.
The new factory in the U.S. will produce the American version of interceptor missiles called Sky Hunter. According to Rafael, these interceptors will also serve the U.S. Marine Corps and other foreign customers. The factory will employ about 60 local workers and will join RTX Corporation's extensive industrial complex in Highland Industrial Park.
The intensive use of the Iron Dome system in warfare has increased the need to expand Iron Dome interceptor production lines. The price of a single Tamir interceptor ranges from around $100,000 to $150,000.
Last week, the factory's opening ceremony was held in the presence of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, U.S. Senator John Boozman, the head of Rafael's Air Defense Division, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Pini Yungman, along with RTX Corporation representative Annabel Flores.
"This is a significant milestone in the Iron Dome project," Yungman said at the ceremony. "The new factory is the result of joint work between Rafael and the RTX Corporation, who joined forces about 18 years ago and have maintained a professional partnership based on the shared vision of both companies while being committed to the highest level of technological innovation."
"The United States is a true partner to us, and the start of local production, which we have aspired to for many years, will enable the bolstering of our partnership while safeguarding the interests of both parties. We are ready for further cooperation in the future," he added.
The U.S. Congress has recently approved a $14 billion aid package for Israel. Outgoing Rafael CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yoav Har-Even, said in an interview with Ynet that approximately $4 billion of the package was intended to strengthen Israel's air defense systems, David's Sling and Iron Dome.
According to a report by the Bloomberg news agency, this money will fund the production of about 100 Iron Dome batteries and at least 14,000 Tamir interceptor missiles. About 60% of Iron Dome interceptors are already produced in the United States, with some of them also serving the U.S. military.