Tel Aviv: Australia is evaluating the procurement of Iron Dome – related technology specifically US co-produced SkyHunter/Tamir interceptors as part of a competitive selection process to build a ground-based air defence shield by the early 2030s. This interest follows the high rate of intercept the Iron Dome achieved during the last war with Israel.
Australia is weighing the US-made Patriot system against Rafael’s Iron Dome/SkyHunter interceptor missiles, the US-produced version manufactured via the Raytheon-Rafael joint venture R2S.
Air Marshal Robert Chipman stated the Australian Defence Force will present formal recommendations to the government in 2027 following trials tied to the Talisman Sabre military exercise. A formal tender issued in mid-October aims to select a system by late 2027, conduct live-firing exercises by 2029, and reach full operational capability by the mid-2030.
The push is driven by rising threats from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and shifting warfare patterns seen in Ukraine and the Middle East. According to Israeli sources, buying the technology via US-based production rather than directly from Israel helps mitigate domestic political sensitivities in Australia regarding direct arms ties with Israel.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
