Iron Dome Could be Exported to the U.S. by Next Year

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By next year, for the first time, a deal could be signed securing the export of the Iron Dome short-range missile defense system to the U.S. Army.

Since the Israeli-made system Iron Dome was successfully deployed by the IDF, its manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, in cooperation with the Israeli security forces, have been making vast efforts in order to sell the technology to various militaries around the world, going as far as showcasing the system in different security-related exhibitions. Despite much praise and interest, a successful deal is yet to be signed.

Rafael is working vis-a-vis potential buyers within the American military and Department of Defense, in cooperation with American manufacturer Raytheon, with whom collaboration in the field of missile development takes place. A prime example for such joint developments is “David’s Sling”, a medium-to-long-range rockets and cruise missiles defense system, which was incorporated into IDF operations three years ago.

Rafael does not provide further details regarding the progressively-forming deal with the U.S., nor its monetary scope. One Iron Dome interceptor missile is valued at $50 thousand, and one Iron Dome launcher, including a command and control system, is valued at $50 million.

According to Rafael air superiority systems division head Pini Yungman, Rafael successfully completed the implementation of all units connected to Iron Dome in a single vehicle, which can provide mobile defense against short-range rockets and mortars for forces deployed on the battlefield.

The truck-like vehicle will carry the launcher, radar, and the command and control system in order to provide close protection for maneuvering forces, as reported by globes.co.il.

“This system has the same performance as the original Iron Dome system we are all familiar with,” says Yungman, “it will provide protection against rockets and mortars. We already hold a model of the system, and if we could secure a client – we will have it up and running in two years. The American taxpayer funds many aspects of the Iron Dome plan, therefore it is the right of the U.S. army to benefit from the system as well.”

It was previously reported that Azerbaijan would purchase several Iron Dome batteries from Israel. In recent months, Romania is rumored to be interested in procuring the Israeli system as well.

Several Israeli defense sources previously said that despite the system’s advantages, almost no country in the world faced the range of high-trajectory threats that Israel faced. This explains the lack of finalized deals between Rafael and specific countries.