The Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed its first contract under the $8.7 billion U.S. aid package approved by Congress in April 2024. The agreement, signed by IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir and Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman, will see Rafael supply the IMOD and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) with a significant number of Iron Dome interceptors. This initiative is part of a broader $5.2 billion allocation aimed at enhancing Israel's air and missile defense capabilities, including funding for the Iron Dome, the David's Sling Weapon System, and the advanced Laser Defense System.
The signing ceremony, held at the IMOD headquarters in Tel Aviv, was attended by several senior officials, including Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold, head of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), and Brig. Gen. Eyal Harel, head of the IDF Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate.
The agreement follows extensive negotiations led by the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) Director Moshe Patel, in collaboration with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Rafael, and various IMOD departments. Under the terms of the contract, Rafael will provide a substantial number of Iron Dome interceptors.
The Iron Dome, developed by Israel and produced in partnership with the U.S. government, is designed to defend against short- and medium-range rockets, missiles, and UAVs. The system has proven its effectiveness during recent conflicts, achieving high interception rates and offering crucial protection to Israeli civilians against a range of missile threats.
Rafael is the principal contractor for the development and production of the Iron Dome, in partnership with ELTA Systems, a division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and mPrest Defense. The MDA also plays a key role in the production of components for the Iron Dome and the co-development of other defense systems such as the Arrow and David's Sling Weapon Systems. This collaboration is intended to ensure Israel’s continued technological advantage in air and missile defense.
IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir said, "The signing of the Iron Dome contract is a central component in an unprecedented scope of effort, led by the IMOD together with Rafael and other defense industries, for force build-up and strengthening while fighting. This is made possible thanks to the U.S. aid package, whose details we recently finalized in Washington, and for this, we thank the senior U.S. administration officials. The Iron Dome system has transformed the battlefield, protected critical infrastructure, and saved many civilian lives. The deal we signed today will further enhance and expand the system's capabilities. I want to thank Rafael, its management, and employees for their enormous contribution to strengthening the IDF's qualitative military edge, only a fraction of which has been revealed to date."
Head of the DDR&D Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold commented, "The contract for expanding the procurement of Iron Dome interceptors is critical in ensuring Israel's security against the numerous threats surrounding it. The system, developed over the years by the IMOD's DDR&D and Israel's defense industries, exemplifies Israel's technological superiority and long-term investment in research and development. During the recent war, the system demonstrated its exceptional capability in saving lives and protecting cities and infrastructure, undergoing dozens of operational updates as a result of daily learning and engagement. The American assistance in air defense is a manifestation of strong strategic partnership, enabling Israel to maintain its security and technological advantage while significantly strengthening the local economy and Israeli defense industries."
Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman stated, "Rafael welcomes the procurement contract and the collaboration with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the IMOD's DDR&D. Rafael's air defense systems, Iron Dome and David's Sling, have repeatedly demonstrated their exceptional capabilities in intercepting the wide range of threats against Israeli citizens since the war began. The expansion of procurement represents another vote of confidence in the Iron Dome system and its continuously upgrading capabilities in the face of threats, and we at Rafael will continue to work decisively to fulfill our mission of being a significant pillar in the state's security."
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