The first of two Iron Dome Defence System batteries have been delivered to the US Army.
An event was held at the Iron Dome production line of contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, in the presence of Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz, Minister of Economy Amir Peretz, Rafael CEO Yoav Har-Even, and others.
“The Iron Dome system, as a part of [Israel's] multi-layered missile defence system, reflects the strength of the Israeli defence establishment," Gantz said. "As a result of the effectiveness of this system, many deaths were prevented on the home front of southern Israel, and it has a significant impact on the battlefield.
"I am proud that this advanced system will also protect US Army troops. This is an extraordinary achievement for both the Ministry of Defence and for Israel’s excellent defense industries.
"Last week I visited the US and met with senior officials in the Department of Defense and the military. Among other things, we discussed procurement and information sharing in the field of technology. The completion of this agreement serves as further proof that the defence alliance [between the US and Israel] is based on common values and interests, which are stronger than ever."
In August 2019 the US and Israel signed an agreement for the procurement of two Iron Dome Defence System batteries (IDDS-A). The first battery was delivered in record time, and the second battery will be delivered in the 'near future'.
These batteries will be employed in the defence of US troops against a variety of ballistic and aerial threats.
"The Iron Dome system which will serve the US military is tailored according to US requirements," Rafael Executive Vice President and Head of Air and Missile Defense Division, Pini Yungman, said. "This being said, its performance capabilities, as seen in Israel, will remain the same. We began the project with a series of tests and demonstrations in the 'White Sands' testing field in the US. To date, we have conducted three demonstrations and intercepted targets chosen by the US Army for the Iron Dome system."
The Iron Dome system has been operational in Israel since 2011 and has demonstrated its capabilities with over 2400 successful interceptions of incoming threats. It is an integral part of Israel’s multi-layered defence array developed by the IMDO. The array includes the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 weapon systems.
The prime contractor for the development and production of the Iron Dome is Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, while the MMR radar is developed by ELTA, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and the command and control system (BMC), is developed by mPrest.