According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the final of three interception tests that took place in September this year included the system’s successful interception of multiple targets in various trajectories. Additionally, the Iron Dome’s continuous launch capability was tested using a mobile launcher developed by the US Marine Corps (USMC)
The series of live-fire tests in the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico is part of the USMC’s development of their Medium-Rage Intercept Capability (MRIC) prototype.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense says that the successful test proved the performance of the mobile launcher developed for the US Marine Corps as well as the Iron Dome interceptor’s performance, particularly regarding relevant and challenging interception scenarios.
“The three tests that took place this year proved that the performance of the MRIC system with Iron Dome interceptors is good and provides a dedicated launcher solution for the Marines,” said Don Kelly, program manager for GBAD at PEO Land Systems, following the successful test.
Head of the IMDO in the Israeli Ministry of Defence, Moshe Patel said that the recent test is further proof that the Iron Dome Tamir Interceptor and associated ground components can be integrated quickly and efficiently in any relevant defence architecture and intercept various aerial threats successfully in complex and advanced scenarios.
“We welcome any cooperation in the field of defence with the branches of the US military.”
Executive Vice President and Head of the Air and Missile Defence Directorate at Rafael Brigadier General (Ret.) Pini Yungman said that again the company’s systems have proven that they are able to integrate into existing systems and create synergy between systems, providing optimal performance.
“Rafael’s advanced systems are developed with an ‘open architecture’ allowing seamless integration with other systems. In the latest test conducted by the Marines, a successful combination of the Tamirinterceptor launched from a new launcher developed under the leadership of the Marines, combined with the Marines’ radar system and the battle management system, which are systems developed by American industries, was demonstrated.”
The Tamir Interceptor of the Iron Dome is a combat-proven missile capable of intercepting cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, rockets, artillery, and mortar threats. The interceptor was developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, contracted for the engineering and adaptation of Iron Dome to USMC requirements and associated testing support.
