Arkansas Plant Delivers First US-Made Iron Dome Interceptor

The Raytheon-Rafael Area Protection Systems (R2S) facility in East Camden, Arkansas, delivered the first fully American-made Tamir interceptor to the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) on October 8, 2026. This delivery marks the first time the Iron Dome interceptor has been manufactured and assembled entirely outside of Israel.

Rafael, the prime contractor for the Tamir interceptor, partnered with Raytheon to establish the R2S joint venture. The facility is designed to accelerate production capabilities and strengthen the defense industrial base of both the United States and Israel. In addition to producing interceptors for Israel, the plant will manufacture the SkyHunter interceptor for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Medium Range Intercept Capability system.

Officials from both nations attended the delivery ceremony, emphasizing that the production line combines Israeli engineering with American manufacturing. Moshe Patel, Director of the IMDO, noted that the new production line represents a significant step in strengthening shared capabilities between the two countries to protect their citizens.