Israel taps Raytheon for Iron Dome interceptor components

Components for Israel's Iron Dome defense system are to be supplied by Raytheon under a $143 million award.

The contract was awarded to the company by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., with which Raytheon has had a co-marketing agreement since 2011.

The components will specifically be for Iron Dome's Tamir interceptor for use against incoming artillery, rockets and mortars.

"Iron Dome has proven itself time and again by protecting Israel's population from incoming rockets, artillery and mortars," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "The sourcing of Tamir interceptor components in the U.S. will go a long way to ensuring sufficient volumes of available Tamir missiles for Israel's defense."

Raytheon said it will use its technology resources and supplier network to provide a second source of supply for essential Iron Dome interceptor components.

The Iron Dome system began operating in 2011 and has so far chalked up more than 1,000 successful intercepts.

The United States has provided Israel with funding for the Iron Dome -- an estimated $700 million since 2011.

"The partnership between the (U.S.) Missile Defense Agency and the Israeli Missile Defense Organization has been extraordinary," said DiDi Yaari, chief executive officer of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. "We're very appreciative of the U.S.'s support for this life-saving system. Maintaining Iron Dome's supply gives Israelis great peace of mind."