RIVISTA ITALIANA DIFESA
Rafael shows the BOXER-based IRON DOME launcher at DSEI 2023 25/09/2023 | Fabio Di Felice

During DSEI 2023 in London, the Israel-based company Rafael made an announcement firmly aimed at the European market, displaying a new version of its IRON DOME missile defense system.

Focused on the European and UK requirements specifically, the mock-ups on display in its expo stands showed a BOXER 8x8-based IRON DOME launcher with 10 interceptors, by contrast with the serial-produced version for Israel which has 20 TAMIR interceptors. A second BOXER on display was acting as a C2 and sensor vehicle, mounting a 360-degree radar and an electro-optic system. The idea of putting the air defense system on a BOXER chassis emerged in connection with the major UK procurement of the Vehicle. According to a Rafael representative, this new version of the IRON DOME system is in the early marketing stages, still collecting ideas from the NATO countries’ Armed Forces.

As well known across the globe, Rafael IRON DOME is the world’s most deployed, combat-proven missile defense system, with more than 5,000 interceptions and a success rate greater than 90% in exercises and in operations. It can detect, assess, and intercepts incoming threats such as RAM (Rocket, Artillery, Mortar), Cruise Missiles, Precise Guided Missiles (PGM), UAVs, Air Breathing Threats (ABTs), and dense salvos. The system can protect deployed and maneuvering forces, as well as Forward Operating Base (FOB) and urban areas, thanks to its quick reaction time, Day/Night, and all-weather capability, benefiting from its cost-effective interceptors. It is able to act as a stand-alone system as well as a layer in a multi-layer Air Defense System.

Currently, Rafael is set for a major export contract for IRON DOME which is planned to be signed with the US Marine Corps in the near future. The deal includes 3 batteries of the system, consisting of 44 launchers, as well as 1,840 interceptors. In the US, the system is offered in partnership with Raytheon and is referred to as SKYHUNTER.

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(Picture: Tommaso Massa)


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