American Iron Dome will be sent to Israel. Aftermath of terrorists attacks
Americans are returning purchased weaponry. The Pentagon's decision pertains to two Iron Dome system batteries, which will be given to Israel. Earlier, Tamir missiles had been returned to Israel in the same manner.
The United States' decision aims to strengthen Israel's defense in the face of repeated attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah. The Americans have decided to return two - i.e., all in possession - Iron Dome batteries to Israel.
The American army bought two Iron Dome batteries in 2019 for $393 million. As reported by Defence24, the weapons were delivered to the US in the years 2020-2021 and were deployed for testing at American military installations in the Pacific.
After the tests, the weapon was not kept in service - it was withdrawn and stored. This was not due to its capabilities, but rather the lack of compatibility with other American systems, such as the Enduring Shield firing AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles.
Launchers and missiles for Israel
After its transfer, the number of batteries protecting Israel from terrorist missile attacks will increase from 10 to 12. Currently, due to the situation in the Middle East, a decision has been made to transfer stockpiled weapons to Israel. In addition, under a previous decision, the Americans transferred 480 Tamir anti-aircraft missiles to Israel.
It's worth noting that while the American army, after conducting tests, did not decide to implement the Iron Dome and is returning the purchased weapons, the situation will look different in another kind of American armed forces, namely the Marine Corps (USMC).
Iron Dome in the United States
The Marines are planning to purchase three Iron Dome batteries with 44 launchers and 1840 Tamir missiles. The licensed production of the latter will also be launched in the USA by the Raytheon corporation.
Tamir Firing from IFPC Inc 2-I Multi Mission Launcher
Because of this, by October 10 American President Joe Biden was able to announce that America would make every effort to ensure that Israel would never lack those missiles. This is important in the context of the discrepancy between the price of a Qassam (a rocket used by terrorists, manufactured by homegrown methods), which can be built for just a few hundred dollars, and the price of a Tamir missile, reaching up to $60,000.
