Raytheon and Rafael’s R2S joint venture has landed a $1.25-billion contract to deliver Tamir surface-to-air missiles, missile kits, and test systems to Israel. The award aligns with the opening of a new $33-million manufacturing facility in East Camden, Arkansas, built to help the Israel Missile Defense Organization boost Iron Dome interceptor production.
The site will produce Tamir warheads for the Iron Dome system, operational since 2011 and credited with intercepting rockets, artillery, and short-range missiles with a success rate exceeding 95 percent. It is also set to assemble SkyHunter interceptors for the US Marine Corps to counter aircraft, cruise missiles, and short- to medium-range threats.
The Camden R2S facility is integrated with Raytheon’s Highland Industrial Park operations and is projected to support up to 60 jobs once fully active. Earlier this month, Raytheon announced an additional $400-million investment in a nearby solid rocket motor complex that will expand production capacity more than sixfold across more than 20 buildings on a 110-acre campus.
Expected output includes medium and large rocket motors for missiles, interceptors, and hypersonic systems supporting US and allied defense capability.
