Tel Aviv: Israel’s state owned company, Tomer is less known in spite of the fact that its systems are the most critical ones for a long list of systems developed by other Israeli defence companies.
Tomer is the centre of expertise for missile and rocket propulsion systems and its advanced propulsion systems are now being evaluated by many foreign companies including NATO members.
Tomer develops and manufactures the propulsion systems for a wide range of Israeli defence projects. The company developed the propulsion systems for the Arrow 2, Arrow 3, and Arrow 4,now under development. The company also developed the propulsion systems for the Israeli Jericho ballistic missiles including the Jericho 3, reportedly with ranges up to 6,000 km.
Tomer also supplied the propulsion systems for the Israeli Shavit launcher that place the Ofek spy satellites in orbit and are derived from Jericho missile technology. Tomer has developed the propulsion systems for all artillery rockets made by Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Tomer is actively developing advanced propulsion technologies, including:
Hypersonic missiles (Mach 5+ speeds, both within and outside the atmosphere) and new satellite launchers to carry heavier payloads for improved reconnaissance capabilities.
While Tomer does not typically sell directly abroad, its engines power systems exported by major Israeli defence firms. According to sources, the company is also exploring direct sales to foreign partners, notably in Japan and the US.
The company said that it is constantly reviewing proposals for collaborations with European defence companies on the development and production of light rocket engines. “We are identifying a global trend in demand for rockets as a result of the geopolitical situation. Without being specific, Tomer has the capabilities to develop and produce a variety of engine types.”
-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