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The United States Marine Corps has confirmed that it will field Rafael’s Iron Dome by 2025, following a series of medium-range interceptor capability live fire events.
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The corp’s medium-range interceptor capability (MRIC) SkyHunter, which is equipped with 20 Rafael Tamir missile cells per launcher and an integration of several existing systems, is expected to move into training and integration in 2024, the company confirmed.
Pending an operational assessment in September, the corps expects to deliver the first system to the 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion in Hawaii in mid-2025.
The capability surpasses the maximum range of a Stinger by eight times, the company boasted, with a range of four to 70 kilometres.
A spokesperson for Rafael explained that the capability will improve the footprint of the Marines and provide cover in the event that the Marines are unable to receive cover from ships or planes.
The system has been tailored for the Marines since 2019, with the integration jointly carried out by Rafael and Raytheon.
The announcement represents a 21st century revitalisation of air defence, managing director of Rafael Australia Golan Ben Giat said.
“As warfare dynamics shift, Rafael are proud to be supporting and sharing our world-leading combat-proven defence capabilities with our global allies,” Ben Giat said.
“The USMC will soon have a capability to protect US Marines from almost all flying threats. By integrating Rafael’s Iron Dome into the MRIC, the USMC is adopting a proven system that has over a decade of operational success in saving lives.
“SkyHunter ensures the Marines have the ability to exist and persist within enemy weapon engagement zones, reinforcing the adaptability and resilience of the US Marine Corps.”
The company noted that the demand for medium-range defensive systems will continue to grow, demonstrated with the continued use of kamikaze drones and cruise missiles in the war in Ukraine.
