Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has awarded a contract to Raytheon to supply components for the Iron Dome anti-rocket defence system.
Under the terms of $149.3m contract, the company will leverage its extensive technology resources and supplier network to provide a second source of supply for Tamir interceptor components.
The contract builds upon a co-marketing agreement honoured by the two companies for Iron Dome since 2011.
Raytheon Missile Systems president Dr Taylor Lawrence said: "Iron Dome has proven itself time and again by protecting Israel’s population from incoming rockets, artillery and mortars.
"The sourcing of Tamir interceptor components in the US will go a long way to ensuring sufficient volumes of available Tamir missiles for Israel’s defence."
Having successfully completed more than 1,000 intercepts since 2011, Tamir is claimed to be the only combat-proven counter rocket, artillery and mortar interceptor currently available for the US and coalition partners.
The interceptor missile is capable of striking down incoming threats that are launched from a distance of 4km to 70km.
Developed with significant funding support from the US Missile Defense Agency, Iron Dome is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and 155mm artillery shells in all weather conditions, including fog, dust storm, low clouds and rain.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems chief executive officer DiDi Yaari said: "The partnership between the Missile Defense Agency and the Israeli Missile Defense Organization has been extraordinary.
"We’re very appreciative of the US’s support for this life-saving system. Maintaining Iron Dome’s supply gives Israelis great peace of mind."
Equipped with a tracking radar, a battle management and weapons control unit and a missile firing unit, the system is also effective against aircraft flying at high altitudes.
The system is currently operational with the Israeli Defense Forces.
Image: Iron Dome launches a missile to intercept a missile coming from the Gaza strip. Photo: courtesy of Israel Defense Forces.
