Tel Aviv: The US Marine Corps’ Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) prototype successfully hit several simultaneously-launched cruise missile representative targets from different directions and in different trajectories during the live-fire test at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
The MRIC prototype utilises the USMC Gator radar and the CAC2S battle management system along with Iron Dome Tamir Interceptor and launcher to create an air defence system tailored to existing USMC assets and expeditionary requirements.
Head of the IMDO in the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Moshe Patel said that the test has proven the Iron Dome Tamir Interceptor and associated ground components can be integrated quickly and efficiently in any relevant defence architecture and intercept various aerial threats successfully in complex and advanced scenarios. “We look forward to further partnerships with the US Armed Forces on Air and Missile Defense.”
“This demonstration proves that we do now have a relevant capability,” said Don Kelley, program manager for GBAD at PEO Land Systems, immediately following the successful test.
Brigadier General (Res.) Pinhas Yungman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Rafael Air & Missile Defense Division: “Once again, the Iron Dome has proven its effectiveness and operational capabilities in combat scenarios. As part of the US Army’s operational training, American troops operated the system which functioned at optimal effectiveness against a variety of threats and intercepted targets from different ranges. Rafael is proud to continue proving itself as a world leader in developing the most advanced defence systems, which have proven themselves time after time.”
The Tamir interceptor is a proven missile capable of intercepting Cruise Missiles, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Rockets, Artillery, and Mortar threats. It is developed by Rafael, who were contracted for the engineering and adaptation of Iron Dome to USMC requirements and associated testing support.
The Ministry of Defense’s Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) in the Directorate of Defense Research and Development leads the development of the State of Israel’s multi-tiered missile and air defence array, based on four operational defence layers: Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3.
-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
