A year after Iran introduced an unmatched barrage of ballistic rockets and drones at Israel, the nation’s defense market is taking the minute to pitch its battle-tested innovations to the Trump administration for its freshly revealed rocket defense effort.
United States President Donald Trump revealed the strategy in January 2025, requiring a US-built “Golden Dome,” a play on the Iron Dome however created for a broader variety of hazards.
” I will direct our military to start building of the excellent Iron Dome rocket defense guard, which will be made all in the United States,” Trump specified at the time. The effort has actually because been rebranded as “Golden Dome” to show its distinct scope and aspiration.
Israeli defense authorities see a chance to enhance their enduring rocket defense cooperation with the United States. Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, states his business is well-positioned to contribute.
” We have actually been complying with the United States on rocket defense for 3 years. The Arrow system, which we established together, has actually been incredible in current disputes. It makes good sense to broaden this cooperation as Washington considers its next-generation rocket defense,” Levy informed The Jerusalem Post
The Iranian wake-up call
On April 13, 2024, Iran introduced an unmatched massive drone and rocket attack on Israel, marking the very first direct strike by Iran on Israeli area. The attack, including over 300 drones and rockets, was retaliation for a believed Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus previously that month.
Israeli defense systems, consisting of the Iron Dome, obstructed 99% of the inbound projectiles, reducing damage and casualties. Nevertheless, the large scale and coordination of the attack acted as a substantial escalation in the area.
” That occasion showed to world leaders that long-range ballistic rockets aren’t simply an Israeli issue,” Levy stated. “Iran showed that it can introduce big, collaborated rocket barrages. Other countries are recognizing they require defenses versus this sort of danger.”
In reaction, need for the IAI’s rocket defense innovation has actually risen.
” Before the war, we had actually currently signed a significant agreement for Arrow 3 with an allied nation,” Levy exposed. “Ever since, interest has actually grown substantially, and more nations are aiming to incorporate these options.”
The Trump administration’s Golden Dome strategy remains in its early phases, with the Pentagon presently collecting propositions from United States defense companies. Nevertheless, Israel hopes its knowledge in rocket interception– particularly the Arrow 3 and Arrow 2 systems– will belong to the conversation.
” There are several methods to prevent rockets, consisting of emerging laser innovations,” Levy discussed. “However when it pertains to ballistic rockets, you wish to obstruct them as early as possible– preferably outside the environment. That’s where Arrow stands out.”
Levy acknowledged that Jerusalem’s proposition might not be selected as Washington focuses on American-made defense systems. However he stressed the more comprehensive significance of US-Israel defense ties.
” Even if our innovation isn’t chosen, we are dedicated to dealing with the United States to establish the very best possible option. The United States is our closest ally, and this collaboration will just grow more powerful.”
Rocket defense cooperation in between the United States and Israel go back to the 1980s when issues over rocket hazards in the Middle East triggered collective defense efforts. The Arrow program, backed by the United States and collectively established by Israel and America, ultimately resulted in the modern-day Arrow 3 system, which was very first released in 2017.
Now, history might be duplicating itself. Simply as previous rocket hazards acted as a wake-up call, Iran’s attack on Israel has actually highlighted the seriousness of robust rocket defenses. The United States Rocket Defense Company has actually currently provided an ask for details on prospective systems, and the IAI has actually reacted, though the information stay categorized.
” We do not require to send out the United States much brand-new information,” Levy stated. “They currently have it due to the fact that we constructed the Arrow system together.”
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