February 2024
Maryland and Israel share many paralleled strengths in industries including medical technology, cyber and homeland security, information systems and defense. ELTA North America and Rafael USA are both global leaders and integral parts of the U.S. defense landscape.
ELTA North America, a US defense company located in Howard County, Maryland, has been awarded a contract to produce Iron Dome Radars. This program is being funded by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Starting in 2023, the ELM-2084 primary Iron Dome Radar System is being produced in Maryland. The initial 3 systems produced will leverage a US-based supply chain and deliver systems directly to Israel in support of the on-going conflict.
ELTA North America is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and support of innovative electronic systems for the United States government. Read more about ELTA North America.
RAFAEL USA has been an integral part of the American defense landscape for the past 28 years and is located in Montgomery County. Supporting U.S. forces, RAFAEL’s technological ingenuity, bold approach to innovation and operational expertise provides the best-of-breed Air, Land, Sea, Air & Missile Defense, and Space systems.
RAFAEL USA has partnered with Raytheon through a U.S. based Joint Venture – Raytheon Rafael Area Protection Systems (R2S) – to produce the Iron Dome in America. Currently at 70%, it is expected that in the near future, 100% will be Made in the U.S.A.
The Iron Dome is a multi-mission, combat-proven, air and missile defense system that combines SHORAD, C-RAM and cruise missile defense capabilities. The U.S. Army selected Iron Dome as an interim capability to counter cruise missiles. Two batteries were procured, and delivered in record time, to protect U.S. assets in contested areas. In the future, parts of Iron Dome could be incorporated into the U.S. Army’s Indirect Fires Protection Capability, which will counter cruise missiles, drones, rockets, artillery, and mortars. The U.S. Marine Corps is also evaluating the system.
Protecting maneuvering forces as well as population centers and strategic assets, Iron Dome handles multiple threats simultaneously, operating 24/7 in all weather conditions including rain, dust storms, fog, and low clouds. Estimating the trajectory of an incoming threat, the system determines whether or not an interception is required, and if so, detonates the target in the air with a 90% success rate. Read more about Rafael USA.
Israel 21 c recently featured an article citing 15 facts about the Iron Dome and is an excellent read>>>.https://www.israel21c.org/15-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-iron-dome/