U.S. Marine Corps Intercepts Target Using Israeli Iron Dome Air Defense System

The U.S. Marine Corps has completed its first air target interception 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  boasts 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.”