Iron Dome Contract

Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd has awarded Raytheon a $149 million contract to provide components for the Tamir interceptor used in the Iron Dome rocket-defense system.

"Raytheon will utilize its extensive technology resources and supplier network to provide a second source of supply for essential Iron Dome interceptor components," the company said in a Sept. 30 statement. "With more than 1,000 successful intercepts, Tamir is the only combat proven counter rocket, artillery, and mortar interceptor available for U.S. and coalition partners today."

Taylor Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president, said Israel's buying U.S. components for the Tamir interceptor "will go a long way to ensuring sufficient volumes of available Tamir missiles for Israel's defense."

The award builds upon a co-marketing agreement the two companies have had in place for Iron Dome since 2011, according to Raytheon.

DiDi Yaari, chief executive officer of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, said in the statement that the partnership between the Missile Defense Agency and the Israeli Missile Defense Organization "has been extraordinary," adding: "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."

On Aug. 1, the Senate passed by unanimous consent a bill that would provide $225 million for the Pentagon to replenish Israel's Iron Dome system.

"It's right that we help our friends in Israel and adopt the Reid-McConnell-Mikulski amendment to replenish Iron Dome," Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) said in a statement at the time, adding: "It's crucial that Israel has the opportunity to defend itself while others are working on ceasefires or political solutions. As a treasured ally, it's important that we enable Israel to guard themselves against Hamas."