IAI Subsidiary ‘Made in Mississippi’ Initiative
On 5 September Stark, a subsidiary of Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) North America, celebrated delivery of the first ‘Made in Mississippi’ canister for the ARROW-3 anti-ballistic missile.
The ARROW Weapon System (AWS) is the upper-tier ballistic missile defence being delivered to the Israeli Ministry of Defence (MoD) and is the world’s first operational, national missile defence system. IAI is the prime contractor for AWS and responsible for development, production and system integration of the ARROW-2 and -3 interceptors. The ARROW-3 interceptor’s capabilities defend against longer-range, higher-altitude (exo-atmospheric) and precise ballistic missile engagements.
“Stark’s missile defence capabilities enable IAI to manufacture parts of the AWS in Mississippi and serve as a basis for future expansion on missile defense initiatives and other activities,” stated General Manager and Executive VP of IAI’s Systems, Missiles & Space Group, Boaz Levy.
“The Israeli Ministry of Defence is proud to mark here in Mississippi another achievement representing fruitful long-term cooperation between the US and Israel for building a strong protective shield to the state of Israel against missiles & rockets. The strong partnership and commitment between the Missile Defense Agency and the IMDO [Israeli Missile Defence Organisation] created a world-class interceptor that, together with the ARROW-2, expands the ballistic missile defence envelope provided to the state of Israel. Stark company joins many other US vendors and manufacturers that do an exceptional work and produce high-end components to our ARROW, DAVID’S SLING and IRON DOME systems,” added IMDO Director Moshe Patel.