- First US-built Tamir interceptors delivered to Israel.
- New factory enhances US manufacturing capacity and defense industrial base.
- IMDO says production line accelerates Israeli missile defense system production.
- Delivery provides Tamir customers with another reliable supply source.
A joint venture between Raytheon and Israel's Rafael has delivered the first Iron Dome Tamir interceptors built and assembled entirely in the United States, marking the first time production of the missile has moved beyond Israel. The interceptors were delivered to the Israeli Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) at a factory in East Camden, Arkansas, the first facility outside Israel to produce complete Tamir interceptors.
The factory was established through the Raytheon-Rafael Area Protection Systems (R2S) joint venture to boost US manufacturing capacity. The facility expands a partnership supporting Tamir production that has continued for more than a decade under US work-share requirements. Rafael said the facility creates US jobs and strengthens the US defense industrial base.
US factory boosts manufacturing capacity
IMDO Director Moshe Patel said the production line is part of efforts to accelerate production of Israeli missile defense systems. "As part of IMDO's efforts to accelerate production of all missile defense systems, this new production line represents an important step in strengthening shared production capabilities between Israel and the United States," he said. He added that US funding for cooperative ballistic missile defense programs with Israel, including emergency supplemental funding, will be reinvested in the US industrial base, which not only enhances production capacity but also deepens ties with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the US government.
The Tamir interceptor is the primary component of the Iron Dome system. According to Rafael data, Iron Dome has conducted more than 10,000 successful operational intercepts during 15 years in service. IMDO is responsible for the Israeli Air Force's air and missile defense architecture and collaborates with MDA on joint programs, leading development and co-production of David's Sling and Arrow, as well as co-production of Iron Dome.
Historical significance of the delivery
Rafael Executive Vice President and Head of Air and Missile Defense Shlomo Toaff said the delivery carries historical significance. "Today, for the first time, Tamir is produced outside Israel, right here in Camden. We are proud to have transformed this factory into an operational production line," Toaff said. Toaff emphasized that for customers relying on Tamir, the factory provides another reliable supply source. He noted that for the US Marine Corps, this supports SkyHunter requirements.
The delivery shows how US work-share requirements have shaped the Iron Dome program over more than a decade, with the Arkansas factory extending that arrangement to full interceptor production. US funding flows to US industry, while the production line provides supply options for Tamir customers.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders attended the ceremony alongside US Missile Defense Agency Deputy Director and Test Director Maj. Gen. Jason D. Cothern. Israeli military and diplomatic officials, Patel, Toaff, and R2S CEO Jonathan Casey also attended the event.
New chapter in US-Israel defense cooperation
The delivery of US-produced Tamir interceptors marks a new development in US-Israel defense cooperation. This not only strengthens the production capabilities of both sides but also demonstrates continued US support for Israel's defense. The establishment of the new factory not only creates jobs but also enhances the US defense industrial base, highlighting the important role of the US in the global defense system. This cooperation model may influence future military cooperation and provide a reference for other countries.