A Raytheon–Rafael Advanced Defense Systems manufacturing facility in Camden, Arkansas, has delivered its first fully US-manufactured Tamir interceptor to Israel, marking a significant milestone in establishing a second production source for the Iron Dome air defense system.
Although the United States has supplied components for Tamir production for several years, the Camden facility is the first outside Israel capable of manufacturing complete interceptors. The facility aims to accelerate production and deliveries while strengthening US–Israeli missile defense cooperation.
The plant will also manufacture SkyHunter, the US variant of the Tamir interceptor, for the US Marine Corps’ Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) system.
Developed by Rafael with support from Raytheon, the Tamir interceptor is designed to engage rockets and other short-range aerial threats at distances of approximately 4 to 70 kilometers (2 to 43 miles). Its guidance architecture combines radar guidance and a command datalink, while a blast warhead provides the terminal engagement capability.
