The U S Army has selected an Israeli Tamir interceptor concept for Phase 1 of its Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC INC 2) second interceptor effort, broadening options for defending fixed and forward sites against cruise missiles, drones, and other aerial threats.
IFPC INC 2 Cruise Missile Defense Gets New Competitor
Rafael Systems Global Sustainment confirmed it has been chosen by the Army’s SHIELD Project Office to propose an Iron Dome derived Tamir interceptor for the IFPC INC 2 second interceptor competition. The program seeks a missile that can operate in an integrated Army air and missile defense architecture to defeat subsonic and low-altitude cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft systems.
The Tamir based design stems from the Iron Dome’s battle-proven interceptor family, known for all-weather performance, electro-optical guidance, and a proximity fused blast warhead. In U S Army use the concept will be adapted to connect with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System and the Sentinel radar under IFPC INC 2’s open architecture.
IFPC INC 2 Context And Mission
IFPC INC 2 is the Army’s mobile ground-based system intended to fill a mid-tier defense gap between short range systems and higher tier long range assets like Patriot and THAAD. The IFPC INC 2 launcher design integrates with IBCS and Sentinel sensors to allow multiple interceptors and provide 360 degree coverage against cruise missiles, UAVs, rockets, artillery, and mortars.
The first interceptor fielded under IFPC INC 2 has been the ground-launched AIM-9X Sidewinder paired with the Enduring Shield launcher. That combination offers a rapid deployable option but is not optimized for higher-performance cruise missile threats. The addition of a second interceptor aimed at tougher mission sets is a key program driver.
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Why Tamir Matters To The Army
The decision to select a Tamir based design for Phase 1 reflects the Army’s interest in leveraging a mature missile family with in service combat data. The Iron Dome system’s Tamir interceptor has been produced at scale and fired in operational environments, giving it a known performance profile against small fast targets.
While Rafael’s Phase 1 pick does not preclude U S industry competitors from future awards, it brings a potentially faster path to prototype interceptor development and testing. Lockheed Martin and others have disclosed separate efforts to develop IFPC INC 2 compliant interceptors under other agreements.
Industrial And Supply Chain Considerations
A key factor in the Army’s assessment is expanding U S production and supply chain options. A Raytheon-Rafael joint venture in the United States is already producing Tamir based missiles and the U S variant known as SkyHunter, which shares lineage with Tamir and is targeted at medium range threats including cruise missiles and rockets.
This presence of domestic missile production can help support scale up if the Army moves ahead with a Tamir derived interceptor for IFPC INC 2, adding resilience to supply and sustainment planning.
Next Steps And Program Timeline
Phase 1 selection is focused on early concept development, systems integration checks, and laying groundwork for prototype deliveries. The Army plans further competitive steps to refine requirements and push toward demonstration and potential production decisions later in the decade.
Further details on schedules and awards have not been publicly released, but IFPC INC 2 remains a priority within Army integrated air and missile defense modernization to address evolving cruise missile threats.
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