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Raytheon is partnering with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and other Israeli companies to provide the Mideast country’s defense ministry with antimissile weapon systems, The Boston Globe reported Thursday.
Bryan Bender reports that following the development of the Iron Dome defense system, Raytheon is again in talks to build up to 15 additional batteries for the system against long-range missiles.
He writes that the contracts are a coproduction deal with prime contractor Rafael, while work will be performed mainly at Raytheon’s facility in Arizona.
The U.S. provided an estimated $1 billion to fund the development of Iron Dome, with measures to ensure that most of the money is allocated for U.S.-made components, the report said.
Bender notes that this agreement is expected to recoup part of the aid as well as benefit the U.S. in terms of domestic jobs generated.
According to a U.S. Missile Defense Agency report, “Under this agreement, the United States focus shifts toward maximizing economic activity in the United States while ensuring that Israel’s security needs are met.”
Iron Dome uses a selective targeting system that guides interceptor missiles called Tamir toward incoming missiles that are projected to hit populated areas.
