The U.S. Marine Corps completed a successful first live-fire exercise with IRON DOME interceptor

October 31, 2024 - The U.S. Marine Corps has successfully completed its first live-fire training exercise using an air defense system that integrates the IRON DOME interceptor.

The system is based on an American radar and command-and-control center, combined with the Iron Dome (Tamir) interceptor and a mobile launcher developed by Rafael, with Raytheon as the prime contractor.

During the exercise, Marines operated the system fully, leading to successful target interceptions. Additionally, the continuous launch capability of Iron Dome interceptors from a mobile launcher developed for the Marines was evaluated.

The exercise followed the completion of a full training program and a series of tests, all part of a development and procurement plan led by the Marines to assess a new prototype system for medium-range interception (MRIC – Medium Range Intercept Capability).

The successful exercise demonstrated both the proficiency of the forces in fully operating the system and the performance of the mobile launcher developed for the Marines, as well as the capabilities of the Iron Dome interceptor in relevant and challenging interception scenarios.

The Tamir interceptor is capable of intercepting cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and various rockets, shells, and mortars. Developed by Rafael, the interceptor was adapted for the Marine Corps configuration in collaboration with Raytheon as the primary contractor, and they provided training support.

This successful live-fire exercise marks a significant milestone toward the operationalization of the Marine Corps’ first prototype battery.

The Israel Ministry of Defense’s IMDO (Israel Missile Defense Organization) leads the development of Israel’s multi-layered defense array, which includes four operational defense layers: the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems.

Moshe Patel, head of IMDO at the Israel Ministry of Defense: “Iron Dome is a system with extensive operational experience, boasting thousands of successful interceptions over more than a decade. The Iron Dome system continues to save lives, even now, during the ‘Operation Iron Swords’ conflict. The U.S. Marine Corps live-fire exercise is yet further proof of the Iron Dome interceptor’s capability, along with its ground system, to rapidly and effectively integrate with any relevant air defense system and intercept a variety of aerial threats in complex scenarios. The Ministry of Defense welcomes all cooperation in the field of air defense with branches of the U.S. military.”

Shlomo Toaff, Executive Vice President and Head of Rafael’s Air Defense Systems Division: “The Iron Dome system continues to prove itself as an advanced and unique air defense system, with thousands of successful interceptions in complex operational scenarios. The fruitful collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps, together with our partnership with Raytheon, demonstrates Rafael’s ability to deliver tailored and unique solutions, providing effective and precise air defense against a wide range of aerial threats. This successful exercise represents an important milestone, and we will continue, together with IMDO, to expand air defense capabilities in collaboration with our strategic partners worldwide.”

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