Raytheon, Rafael to Build Facility to Jointly Produce Iron Dome’s Tamir Missile

Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, has teamed up with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to set up a facility in East Camden, Arkansas, for producing the Tamir missile, a crucial part of both the Iron Dome Weapon System and its American counterpart, SkyHunter.

Through the Raytheon-Rafael Area Protection Systems joint venture, the companies have committed to a $33 million capital investment to create the new facility. Once operational, the facility will manufacture missiles for the U.S. Marine Corps and other allied partners.

This new Camden site will be the first all-up-round (AUR) production facility in the U.S. dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces and allies with this air-defense missile. The joint venture plans to commence construction on the new facility before the end of the year with the goal of starting missile production in 2025.

Raytheon and Rafael have been collaborating for over a decade on the Iron Dome, which boasts more than 5,000 operational intercepts and a success rate exceeding 90%. The U.S. version of the Iron Dome Weapon System's Tamir, known as SkyHunter, is a medium-range air defense weapon designed to counter a range of threats, including cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft, rockets, artillery, and mortars. SkyHunter missiles will be manufactured for the U.S. Marine Corps Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) program.

Each Tamir missile reportedly costs an estimated $40,000 to $50,000.

Since Israel activated the Iron Dome in 2011, it has intercepted thousands of rockets from Gaza, providing a sense of security to residents. In the current conflict with Hamas, they've fired 7,000 rockets in just two weeks, more than in the previous four wars with Israel since 2007. While most rockets have been intercepted, some have caused casualties and damage. If Hezbollah joins the war, with its estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles, the risk could increase.