R2S joint venture between Rafael and Raytheon to produce Iron Dome's Tamir Missiles in US.

East Camden, United States, February 21, 2024 – A significant development in national defense and economic growth was marked today as R2S, a joint venture between defense giants Raytheon from the United States and Israeli Company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, commenced construction of a new $63 million manufacturing facility. Located in East Camden, Arkansas, this state-of-the-art facility is set to bolster the production of the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its variant, the SkyHunter® missile, which will serve the U.S. Marine Corps and allies globally.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The TAMIR missile is used by the IRON DOME air defense system. (Picture source Israel IDF)

The collaboration between Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Rafael Advanced Defense System symbolizes a robust partnership aiming to enhance the air defense capabilities of the United States and its allies. This new facility is expected to generate up to 60 new job opportunities, reinforcing the local economy and showcasing the industrial park’s expansion in Highland.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, along with state officials, heralded the initiative during a ceremony, highlighting the project's significance for both national security and economic development. Governor Sanders emphasized the crucial role of the facility in fortifying the nation's defense infrastructure amidst global security challenges. "This investment is not just about economic growth but ensuring our nation's safety in an increasingly uncertain world," she remarked during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Pini Yungman, Rafael's Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Air & Missile Defense Division, reflected on the 18-year long partnership with Raytheon, praising the joint venture's commitment to technological innovation and security cooperation. "The establishment of this facility is a testament to our shared vision and dedication to protect the citizens of Israel and America," Yungman stated, expressing optimism for future collaborations.

Annabel Flores, Deputy President of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, announced the increased investment from the initially planned $33 million to $63 million, signifying the partners' commitment to this crucial defense project. "This expansion not only underscores our dedication to supporting the U.S. Marine Corps and our allies but also represents our faith in the local workforce and the economic potential of Camden," Flores commented.

The R2S facility in East Camden is poised to become a cornerstone in the production of advanced air defense systems, contributing to both national security and regional economic growth. With the collaborative efforts of Raytheon and Rafael, along with local and state support, the project marks a forward leap in strengthening global defense partnerships and enhancing the United States' strategic defense capabilities.

The Iron Dome is a highly advanced air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel, designed to intercept and neutralize short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometers away. Since its deployment in 2011, the Iron Dome has proven to be a critical asset in protecting civilian populations and critical infrastructure against various aerial threats. Its success rate in intercepting incoming projectiles has been notably high, making it a cornerstone of Israel's defense strategy. The system operates by tracking incoming threats with radar, then computing a guidance solution and launching a Tamir interceptor missile to destroy the target in the air, minimizing the risk of collateral damage on the ground.

The Tamir missile is the interceptor used by the Iron Dome system, designed for high precision and rapid response to incoming threats. It features advanced radar and electro-optical sensors that allow it to identify and neutralize targets with remarkable accuracy. The SkyHunter is a US-certified version of the Iron Dome developed jointly by the Israeli Company Rafael and Raytheon. It is a mobile all-weather air defense system designed to destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometers.. The development and production of these missiles underscore the strategic partnership and technological collaboration between the United States and Israel, aiming to bolster defense mechanisms against evolving aerial threats while ensuring the safety of nations and their allies.

Defense News February 2024