Medium Range Interceptor Capability proves effective in USMC advanced cruise missile defense test.

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on May 6 that they successfully conducted a live-fire of the Medium Range Interceptor Capability. During the U.S. Marine Corps event, MRIC engaged targets representative of cruise missile threats.
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Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on May 6 that they successfully conducted a live-fire of the Medium Range Interceptor Capability (Picture source: Raytheon/Rafael)

The test examined MRIC’s integration capabilities with the US Marine Corps’ AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar, Common Aviation Command and Control System, and components of the Iron Dome Weapon System, including the Tamir interceptor.

This test is a first in a series designed to prove the MRIC’s ability to intercept cruise missile threats. The live-fire also stressed the MRIC system to assess its proficiency against high-end threats used by near-peer adversaries.

“This test proved the interoperability of sensors and effectors working together as an integrated air and missile defense capability,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land Warfare & Air Defense at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. "The demonstration showcased the benefits of integration, extending the capabilities of individual systems into a solution greater than the sum of its parts.”

The Ground-Based Air Defense program office at Program Executive Office Land Systems in the U.S. Marine Corps is developing the MRIC prototype in support of a Fleet Marine Forces modernization initiative. According to the U.S. Marine Corps, MRIC is designed is to defeat cruise missile threats and other manned and unmanned aerial threats for fixed and operationally semi-fixed sites.

"We are excited about the success of this live-fire," said Brig. Gen. (res.) Pini Yungman, executive vice president for Air and Missile Defense of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. "Iron Dome continues to demonstrate its capabilities against more advanced threats, further proving its ability as one of the most premier lower-tier missile air and missile defense systems in the world."

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Rafael have teamed for over a decade on Iron Dome, with more than 4,000 operational intercepts and a success rate exceeding 90 percent.