U.S. could purchase two batteries of Israeli Iron Dome air defense system.

The United States could purchase two batteries of Iron Dome, according to the Israeli Newspaper website "The Times of Israel". In January, reports said the US Army plans to buy two Israeli-developed Iron Dome batteries and deploy them next year as the first step in a new $1.7 billion project.

Sky Hunter U.S. certified Iron Dome manufactured by the American Company Raytheon at AUSA 2017 defense exhibition in Washington D.C. (Picture source Army Recognition)

In early 2019, the U.S. Army considered several available systems and announced its intent to buy two Iron Dome batteries to fill a need for an interim capability. Given interest by the U.S. and several other nations in Iron Dome’s unique capabilities, Raytheon has launched the SkyHunter system in cooperation with Rafael. Based on Iron Dome, SkyHunter can be produced in the United States to expand availability and capacity for the U.S. and its allies.

The first Iron Dome system was deployed by the Israeli Defense Forces on March 2011. The typical air defense missile battery consists of a radar unit, missile control unit, and several launchers, all located at the same site.

Iron Dome detects, assesses and intercepts a variety of shorter-range targets such as rockets, artillery and mortars. It is effective day or night and in all weather conditions including low clouds, rain, dust storms and fog. It features a first-of-its-kind multi-mission launcher designed to fire a variety of interceptor missiles.

The Iron Dome is an effective and innovative mobile defense solution for countering short range rockets and 155 mm artillery shell threats with ranges of up to 70 km in all weather conditions, including low clouds, rain, dust storms or fog.

The Iron Dome uses the Tamir missiles that feature electro-optical sensors and steering fins with proximity fuze blast warheads. The majority of Tamir missile components are procured through the Raytheon supply chain in the United States.

At AUSA 2017, the Association of United States Army exhibition and conference in Washington D.C., the American Company Raytheon presents the SkyHunter, a US-certified version of the Iron Dome developed jointly by the Israeli Company Rafael and Raytheon.