The US Army is considering equipping itself with the Tamir interception missile used by the Iron Dome rocket defense system. The Tamir missile was developed in Israel by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd..
A few months ago, the US Army published a tender for defense systems for its land forces from a range of the latest threats including rockets, drones, and naval missiles. Sources believe that the tender procedures will be completed in the next two years with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon expected to submit bids.
Sources inform "Globes" that incorporation of the Tamir missile will be part of Raytheon's bid. If Raytheon wins the tender, then this will be the first time ever that Iron Dome's Tamir interception missile would have been sold outside of Israel.
An Israeli defense source told "Globes" that the potential deal for Rafael if Raytheon wins the bid is worth $1 billion. The rival bid from Lockheed Martin is offering a missile it developed itself.
Rafael recently announced that it had participated in the first-ever interception trial for the Tamir missile in the US. In the trial, the Tamir missile successfully shot down a drone and more such trials are planned in the US.
Since Iron Dome was first deployed in Israel in 2011, the defense system has shot down more than 1,500 rockets fired at Israel, mainly from the Gaza strip with Rafael claims, a 90% success rate.
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1), which produces the radar system for Iron Dome through its ELTA division, has reported sales of it to various armies around the world.
Raytheon is also collaborating intensively with Rafael in the development of the David's Sling medium range missile interception system.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 2, 2016
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