Lockheed Martin signs agreement with Israeli defense contractor to develop laser defense system
The American aerospace and defense company Lockheed Martin signed a term sheet with Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
The joint project involves the development, production and marketing of a laser-based defense system.
Rafael is one of Israel's three largest defense companies. It supplies the Israel Defense Forces with weapons and defense technology, as well as exports to foreign militaries.
Rafael is best known for the development of the Iron Dome, the world's first operational air defense system, which was critical in intercepting most of the over 4,300 rockets the terrorist organization Hamas shot into southern Israel during the recent Gaza conflict.
At the signing ceremony, Tim Cahill, Lockheed Martin senior vice president of Global Business Development, said: “Israel’s defense challenges underscored the vital importance of increasing Israel’s capability to address rocket attacks.”
“We are honored to work with the Israeli government and industry to address this critical security need that will support Israel’s national security. Rafael is a world-class defense company, and we look forward to expanding our existing collaboration by leveraging our respective capabilities in high-energy laser systems to address this growing threat,” he continued.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
