First time ever: U.S. Marines complete Iron Dome-integrated defense training

The U.S. Marine Corps successfully completed its first training this week with an air defense system incorporating the Iron Dome interceptor.

The system is based on an American radar and command and control center, along with an Iron Dome interceptor called "Tamir" and a mobile launcher developed by an Israeli company along with an American company which was the main contractor.

During the current exercise, the American fighters fully activated the system, until the targets were intercepted. The training proved both the forces' skill in fully operating the system, the performance of the mobile launcher developed for the Marines, and the performance of the Iron Dome interceptor, in challenging interception scenarios.

The Tamir interceptor is capable of intercepting cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and a variety of rockets, shells and mortar shells. The interceptor is being developed by Rafael, which partnered with Raytheon as the prime contractor, in adapting it to the Marine Corps operational configuration.