Raytheon Missiles & Defense, RAFAEL team to establish U.S.-based Iron Dome Weapon System production facility

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems have formed a joint venture to establish an Iron Dome Weapon System production facility in the U.S. This facility will be the first Iron Dome production site outside of Israel and aims to support the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies. The facility will manufacture both the Iron Dome's Tamir interceptor and the U.S. derivative SkyHunter missile, enhancing the defense capabilities against aerial threats. This partnership marks over a decade of collaboration between the two companies on the Iron Dome system.

Positive

• Establishment of the first Iron Dome production facility outside of Israel.
• Partnership with RAFAEL enhances defense capabilities for U.S. military and allies.
• Production of advanced missile systems (Tamir and SkyHunter) for better aerial threat defense.

Negative

• None.

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies (RTX: NYSE) business, and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., an Israeli-based defense technology company, have signed a joint venture to establish an Iron Dome Weapon System production facility in the United States. The new partnership, called Raytheon RAFAEL Area Protection Systems, anticipates finalizing a site location before the end of the year.

"This will be the first Iron Dome all-up-round facility outside of Israel, and it will help the U.S. Department of Defense and allies across the globe obtain the system for defense of their service members and critical infrastructure," said Raytheon Missiles & Defense Systems' Sam Deneke, vice president of Land Warfare & Air Defense business execution.

The new facility will produce both the Iron Dome Weapon System, which consists of the Tamir interceptor and launcher, and the SkyHunter® missile, a U.S. derivative of Tamir. Both Tamir and SkyHunter intercept incoming cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems and short-range targets such as rockets, artillery, mortars and other aerial threats. 

"We are excited about this new stage in our partnership with Raytheon and proud of our U.S. production," said Brig. Gen. (res.) Pini Yungman, executive vice president for Air and Missile Defense of RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems. "We have long partnered on U.S. production of Iron Dome and are pleased to increase manufacturing and bring SkyHunter to the U.S."

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and RAFAEL have teamed for over a decade on Iron Dome, the world's most-used system with more than 2,500 operational intercepts and a success rate exceeding 90 percent. To learn more about these critical missile defense programs, visit us here.

About RAFAEL
RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of high-tech defense systems for air, land, sea, and space applications for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli defense establishment, as well as for customers around the world. The company offers its customers a diversified array of innovative solutions at the leading edge of global technology, from underwater systems through naval, ground, and air superiority systems to space systems. RAFAEL is one of Israel's three largest defense companies, employing 8000 people and numerous subcontractors and service suppliers, including in the United States.

About Raytheon Missiles & Defense
Raytheon Missiles & Defense brings global customers the most advanced end-to-end solutions delivering the advantage of one innovative partner to detect, track, and intercept threats. With a broad portfolio of air and missile defense systems, precision weapons, radars, command and control systems and advanced defense technologies Raytheon Missiles & Defense solutions protect citizens, warfighters and infrastructure in more than fifty countries around the world.

About Raytheon Technologies
Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With 195,000 employees and four industry-leading businesses ― Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ― the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Media Contacts
RAFAEL
Ishai David
Ishaid@RAFAEL.co.il 

Raytheon Missiles & Defense
Barry Edwards
+1.520.205.0689
rmdpr@rtx.com

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SOURCE Raytheon Technologies

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Raytheon and RAFAEL joint venture for RTX?

The joint venture aims to establish a U.S. production facility for the Iron Dome Weapon System to enhance defense capabilities.

When was the joint venture between Raytheon and RAFAEL announced for RTX?

The joint venture was announced on August 3, 2020.

What missile systems will be produced at the new facility for RTX?

The facility will produce the Iron Dome's Tamir interceptor and the SkyHunter missile.

How will the new Iron Dome facility impact U.S. defense?

It will strengthen the U.S. Department of Defense's capabilities and provide defense for service members and critical infrastructure.

How long have Raytheon and RAFAEL partnered on the Iron Dome system for RTX?

Raytheon and RAFAEL have collaborated for over a decade on the Iron Dome system.