Today (Thursday), The Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, signed a procurement order that will accelerate the production of the Iron Dome defense system.
The signing ceremony at the IMOD’s headquarters was held under the chairmanship of Defense Minister Israel Katz and with the participation of the Head of the Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold; U.S. Defense Attaché, Maj. Gen. Aaron Drake; Executive Vice President Marketing & Business Development at Rafael, Brig. Gen. (Res.), Nir Halamish; Head of the Ministry’s Finance Department, CPA Dekel Cohen; Legal Advisor to the Defense Establishment, Attorney Hila Erlich Omer; and additional senior officials.
The contract follows comprehensive negotiations led by Director of the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) Moshe Patel, the Israeli Programs at the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and Senior VP and Head of Air Defense Systems Division at Rafael, Shlomo Toaff. Under this agreement, Rafael will deliver a substantial quantity of Iron Dome interceptors to the IMOD and the IDF.
The $8.7 billion U.S. aid package, approved by Congress in April 2024, includes a dedicated $5.2 billion allocation to enhance Israel’s air defense systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the high-powered Laser Defense System, which is currently in its final phase of development.
The Iron Dome system, developed in Israel and manufactured in collaboration with the U.S. government, provides defense against short and medium-range rocket and missile threats, as well as UAV threats. Throughout the recent war, the system has exhibited outstanding performance with remarkable interception rates, delivering crucial protection to Israel’s home front against missile, rocket, UAV, and cruise missile attacks. Featuring cutting-edge technologies, Iron Dome ranks among the world’s most sophisticated air defense systems.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is the prime contractor for the Iron Dome defense system, collaborating with ELTA Systems, a division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and mPrest. The U.S. MDA maintains a pivotal role in developing and producing Israel’s multi-layered defense systems, including David’s Sling and Arrow, while manufacturing Iron Dome components. The enduring strategic partnership between the MDA and the IMDO continues to secure Israel’s technological edge in air defense.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said: “The Iron Dome system has become one of the world’s finest air defense systems in history. Over the years, and particularly during recent military operations, Iron Dome has protected our nation’s skies and successfully intercepted thousands of threats from Gaza, Lebanon, and other theaters – serving as a protective shield for Israeli citizens against those who threaten us. Today’s signing of this landmark contract represents a strategic leap forward that will significantly reinforce our air defense capabilities against adversaries who remain relentless in their efforts to threaten Israel’s security. This agreement stands as further testimony to the depth and strength of our alliance with the United States and to the robust cooperation between our nations. Together, we will continue developing and enhancing the world’s most advanced air defense systems – ensuring the security of our state and Israel’s strategic superiority for decades to come.”
Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, said: “In accordance with the Ministry’s strategy, we remain committed to strengthening the readiness and operational capacity of the IDF in an increasingly complex security environment. The Iron Dome system has fundamentally transformed the battlefield, demonstrating unprecedented interception capabilities on a global scale against a vast spectrum of threats. This contract will dramatically enhance the multi-layered defense posture and strategic stability of the State of Israel. Joint production in Israel and the United States exemplifies the potential of our technological and industrial partnership – a collaboration the Israel Ministry of Defense is eager to expand across additional systems and domains.”
Chairman of Rafael, Dr. Yuval Steinitz, said: “The procurement of interceptors from Rafael marks a significant leap forward that will secure Israel’s decisive technological advantage for years to come. We remain committed to providing the defense establishment with the most advanced, groundbreaking solutions in the world, to protect the nation’s skies – both the front lines and the home front.
This latest procurement is a clear testament to the strength of Israel’s defense industry and to the critical importance of local production. Rafael provides not only exceptional operational capabilities but also plays a vital role in national economic growth and in reinforcing Israel’s position as a global technological powerhouse.”
President and CEO of Rafael, Yoav Tourgeman, said: “Rafael welcomes the accelerated procurement of Iron Dome interceptors and the continued cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and Israel’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (MAFAT). Over the past two years, Rafael’s air-defense systems, Iron Dome and David’s Sling, have played a major role in Israel’s air defense and have repeatedly demonstrated their exceptional ability to intercept a wide range of threats targeting Israeli civilians; soon, they will be joined by the first operational laser-based defense system emerging from Rafael’s production lines. The expanded procurement reflects renewed confidence in Iron Dome, which has become a global benchmark for air-defense systems. Rafael remains firmly committed to fulfilling its mission and serving as a central pillar in Israel’s national security.”
