Raytheon-Rafael Protection Systems (R2S), a joint venture (JV) formed by RTX and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has signed a $1.25bn contract to supply Tamir surface-to-air missiles to Israel.

R2S was formed to produce the Iron Dome interceptor and launchers capable of targeting cruise missiles, uncrewed aircraft, rockets, artillery, mortars, and other aerial threats.

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The contract, issued as a “direct commercial sale”, includes the provision of missiles, missile kits, and test equipment.

It follows a procurement initiative from Israel’s Ministry of Defence (IMOD) aimed at expediting the production of the Iron Dome air defence system.

The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), which operates within the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) under the Israeli Ministry of Defence, is overseeing efforts to accelerate serial production of these interceptors.

To meet these requirements, R2S recently established a new manufacturing plant in East Camden, Arkansas.

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This facility, which opened earlier in November 2025, after a $33m investment, will produce Tamir missiles for deployment in the Iron Dome Weapon System as well as SkyHunter missiles.

SkyHunter is the US variant of the Tamir missile designed for the US Marine Corps’ Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) programme.

R2S CEO Jonathan Casey said: “This is the first production contract for the R2S joint venture and a major milestone for both Raytheon and Rafael.

“The new Camden site is the first all-up-round production facility in the US to manufacture Tamir and SkyHunter missiles.”

Iron Dome is an air defence missile system developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems in Israel.

The system was created to counter very short-range rockets and 155mm artillery shells at distances up to 70km.

It has been operational with the Israeli Air Force since March 2011 and functions in various weather conditions. 

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