Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased its new Iron Dome Mission Module at last week’s Land Forces 2024 exhibition in Australia and the Air Force Association Air, Space, and Cyber (ASC) event in Washington, D.C., this week.

Utilizing a mobile radar sensor from Leonardo DRS (RADA) and a 10-canister launcher mounted on light tactical vehicles such as the JLTV, the Iron Dome’s mission module is a compact, flexible solution that can be integrated into various defense platforms. It responds rapidly to aerial threats, including rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The module can be deployed in static and mobile configurations, making it versatile for different operational needs.

The system is designed to be deployed as part of a tactical layered air defense protecting contingency Air Force or Marines units deployed overseas. These elements in Australia address the Littoral Lift Group Australia’s plans to stand up in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The Iron Dome, a proven system that has successfully intercepted thousands of rockets in operational use, is being marketed to allied nations as a key component of multi-tiered air defense strategies.

Iron-dome mission-module fire unit. Image: via Defense-Update
Iron-dome mission modules displayed at the AFA ASC expo 2024. Image: via Defense-Update
Unlike Iron Dome’s current MMR radar, which covers a sectorial field of view with optional 360-degree coverage using mechanical rotation, the exMHR (Developed by Leonardo DRS RADA) uses four flat panels to stare over 360 degrees continuously. The lighter system also enables installation on an elevating mast. Image: Leonardo DRS RADA.