Israel’s Defense Ministry signed a major procurement agreement on Thursday to accelerate production of the Iron Dome air defense system, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced.

The contract with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will deliver a substantial quantity of Iron Dome interceptors to the Israeli Air Force. The deal is funded through a $5.2 billion allocation from an $8.7 billion U.S. aid package Congress approved in April 2024.

Iron Dome, developed in Israel and manufactured in collaboration with the U.S., defends against short- and medium-range rockets, missiles and drones. The system has demonstrated high interception rates during recent conflicts, intercepting thousands of threats from Gaza, Lebanon and other areas.

Rafael produces Iron Dome in partnership with ELTA Systems, a division of Israel Aerospace Industries, and mPrest. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency manufactures components and supports Israel’s multi-layered defense systems.

“This agreement stands as further testimony to the depth and strength of our alliance with the United States and to the robust cooperation between our nations,” Katz said at the signing ceremony in Tel Aviv.

“Together, we will continue developing and enhancing the world’s most advanced air defense systems—ensuring the security of our state and Israel’s strategic superiority for decades to come,” Katz continued.

Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram said, “This agreement stands as further testimony to the depth and strength of our alliance with the United States and to the robust cooperation between our nations.

“Joint production in Israel and the United States exemplifies the potential of our technological and industrial partnership—a collaboration the Israel Ministry of Defense is eager to expand across additional systems and domains,” Baram said.

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