U.S. based, Raytheon, and Israeli based, Rafael, co-developed the Iron Dome; Defense deal is worth approx. $380 million; To include launchers, radars, and missiles; Iron Dome is one of the most used air defense systems globally.
The United States Army has finalized a near $380 million deal with Israel to obtain the Iron Dome technology. Plans for this transaction began at the turn of the new year. Interestingly enough, the Iron Dome technology was actually co-developed between a U.S. company, Raytheon, and an Israeli company, Rafael. As part of the exchange, the United States will receive 12 launchers, 2 radars, and 240 Tamir missiles.
Raytheon, the U.S. based developer, reportedly has plans to mass-produce the Iron Dome technology within the U.S.
As of late, the U.S. Army has been reevaluating where to locate funding inside of its Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) program, which is being reconstructed to defend against various projectiles such as rockets, artillery, mortars, UAV’s (Unmanned Air Vehicle), cruise missiles, etc.
Daryl Youngman, the deputy in charge of the service’s air and missile defense modernization efforts, told the press, “We’re conducting analysis and experimentation for enduring IFPC. So that includes some engineering-level analysis and simulations to determine the performance of multiple options, including Iron Dome-or pieces of Iron Dome-and then how we integrate all of that into the integrated air and missile defense system.”
The Army is currently exploring as to how they will be integrating the Iron Dome into their IFPC program in comparison to how it is being utilized in Israel. It’s worth noting that Iron Dome is one of the most used air defense systems globally.
Furthermore, this will continue to reinforce the strong relationship between Israel and the United States. Israeli technology continues to be a leading force throughout the world. While the U.S. is the primary world superpower, smaller than New Jersey in size, Israel is currently recognized as the 8th most powerful country on the planet, and the alliance between the two nations is stronger now than it ever has been. One would do well in taking a brief glimpse at history, noting that it has never fared well for those who oppose the nation of Israel. Why? Because God does what He says, He’s going to do:
Now the Lord said to Abram,
“[Go forth from your country,
And from your relatives
And from your father’s house,
To the land which I will show you;
And I will make you a great nation,
And I will bless you,
And make your name great;
And so you shall be a blessing;
And I will bless those who bless you,
And the one who curses you I will curse.
And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”