Miles Jamison
The U.S. Marine Corps has conducted the first live-fire test for an air defense system integrated with the Iron Dome interceptor.
Enhanced Air Defense System Marks Milestone
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems said Wednesday the training exercise was a significant milestone as it demonstrated the potential operational readiness of the prototype battery.
The demonstration showed the air defense system can be fully operated by Marines enabling them to intercept targets. It also enabled the Marine Corps to assess the performance of the mobile launcher and the continuous launch capability of the Iron Dome interceptors.
Iron Dome Interceptor-Integrated Air Defense System
The air defense system is being developed by Rafael while Raytheon serves as the prime contractor. The system consists of an American radar and command-and-control center with the Iron Dome interceptor and a mobile launcher.
Also known as the Tamir interceptor, the Iron Dome was modified for Marine Corps use. The interceptor is designed to target missiles, rockets, mortars, shells and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Prior to the demonstration, a training program and a series of tests were performed to evaluate the prototype system and its potential medium-range intercept capability.
Moshe Patel, director of the Israel Missile Defense Organization, said, “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.”
