Tel Aviv: Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is in advanced talks with Indian private defence firms to set up local production of the Iron Dome system and, specifically, its Tamir interceptors in India. However, as of mid-July 2026, no final agreement or official contract has been publicly confirmed.
Rafael is reportedly planning a production line in India for Tamir interceptors, the short-range missiles used by Iron Dome.
According to Israeli sources, Rafael is exploring to work with Indian private-sector defence companies rather than solely with the Indian state-owned sector, reflecting India’s push toward a more diversified defence manufacturing base.
The planned production line is aimed to serve export orders for Iron Dome/Tamir systems to third countries. According to the Israeli sources it will also lower production costs and add backup capacity for Israel’s own operational needs. This would not replace Israel’s existing Tamir manufacturing in northern Israel, but would add a second, geographically separate production node.
Rafael has selected India for the programme due to the heavy use of Tamir interceptors in recent conflicts exposed gaps in stock and production capacity. It should be noted that Rafael has already partnered with Raytheon in the US to produce a Tamir derivative (SkyHunter) to augment supply.
The Israeli sources pointed out that a local Tamir line would directly support India’s ambition to become a global defence manufacturing hub and deepen its role beyond just buying foreign systems.
Rafael already has a joint venture in India — Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS) in Hyderabad — which has produced and delivered MRSAM missile kits for the Indian armed forces, giving Rafael a proven track record with Indian partners.
-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
