The Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed a new contract as part of the US aid package, in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, to expand the production of Iron Dome missiles.
The deal was announced on January 16, 2025, and highlights a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Israel’s defense capabilities against evolving threats.
This agreement is part of the US aid package agreed in Washington, which allocates $5.2 billion to strengthen Israel’s air and missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome system, the David’s Sling system, and an advanced laser defense platform. This package comes as part of a broader $8.7 billion aid package approved by Congress in April 2024.
The Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Colonel (retd) Eyal Zamir, emphasized the importance of the deal, saying: “The Iron Dome system has changed the characteristics of the battlefield, protected vital infrastructure and saved the lives of many civilians. This agreement will further improve and expand the capabilities of the system.”
Israel stated that the Iron Dome system, developed by Israel and produced in cooperation with the US government, has demonstrated exceptional performance during recent conflicts, intercepting missile and drone threats. The system incorporates the latest technologies, making it one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world.
Maj. Gen. Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the Defense Research and Development Department (DDR&D), noted: “The acquisition of interceptor missiles for the Iron Dome system is essential to ensuring Israel’s security against many threats. This system embodies Israel’s technological superiority and its long-term investment in research and development.”
Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman also noted the importance of the collaboration, saying: “This purchase represents another vote of confidence in the Iron Dome system and its continued evolving capabilities in the face of threats.”
The signing ceremony took place at the Israeli Ministry of Defense headquarters in Tel Aviv in the presence of senior officials, including Rafael executives and representatives of the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
Rafael, the prime contractor, will work with ELTA Systems and mPrest Defense to provide the interceptors.
The expansion of the Iron Dome system is expected to improve Israel’s ability to deal with threats in the short and medium term while maintaining technological and strategic superiority.