Report: Washington Funds Expansion of Israeli Iron Dome Production

A media report states that the Israeli Ministry of Defense has drawn up plans to expand the serial production of the "Iron Dome" short-range air defense system, with funding expected to come from US military financial aid to Tel Aviv.

1. Funding and Contract Details

• Executing Body: The Israeli Ministry of Defense signed a multi-billion dollar contract with the defense industry company "Rafael."

• Funding Source: The contract will be fully financed by the $8.7 billion US aid package provided to Israel.

• Funding Goal: To use the aid to resupply the Israeli Army's interceptor inventory, which was depleted during confrontations with Hezbollah and armed Palestinian factions.

2. Allocation of Aid to Defense Systems

The US package allocated a significant amount to Israeli air and missile defense systems:

• Allocated Amount: $5.2 billion dedicated to air and missile defense systems.

• Benefiting Systems:

  • Iron Dome: Short-range air defense system.

  • David's Sling: Medium and long-range missile defense system.

  • Barak System.

3. Losses and Military Context

The decision to expand production follows notable losses suffered by Israeli defense systems:

• Iron Dome Losses: The Iron Dome suffered "heavy losses" in 2024 after strikes carried out by Hezbollah.

• David's Sling Malfunction: Reports indicate that the David's Sling system also malfunctioned due to Hezbollah attacks.

• Losses During Iran War: Both US and Israeli air defense systems suffered heavy losses during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June.

4. Additional US Support

US support was not limited to funding but also included the deployment of specific US defense systems to protect Israel:

• THAAD system.

• Aegis naval system.