Wire flash
TechUS Marine Corps fields Iron Dome-derived MRIC air defense system
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
The U.S. Marine Corps is fielding the Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC), a mobile air defense system based on Israel's Iron Dome. MRIC combines US AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR radar and Common Aviation Command and Control System with Israeli technology, including the SkyHunter missile (US version of Tamir interceptor) which engages threats at 4-70 km range. Each trailer-mounted launcher holds 20 interceptors. In June, III Marine Expeditionary Force tested MRIC on Guam during Valiant Shield 2026. A $1.25 billion joint project has established manufacturing for Tamir and SkyHunter missiles in Arkansas. The Marine Corps has requested $233.6 million for the program, with full fielding across three battalions planned between 2026 and 2028 to counter cruise missiles and drones.
Source report
The Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) system combines U.S. radars and command-and-control systems with Israeli technology to counter complex aerial threats such as cruise missiles and drones.
Key Components
The Marines are deploying the SkyHunter missile, the U.S. version of the battle-tested Israeli Tamir interceptor. These guided missiles are designed to engage targets at ranges between 4 and 70 kilometers.
The mobile, trailer-mounted launchers were specifically developed for the U.S. Marine Corps and can each hold up to 20 interceptor missiles.
The MRIC system integrates the Corps' own AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) and the Common Aviation Command and Control System.
Deployment Timeline
U.S. Marine Corps: MRIC fielding between 2026 and 2028
In June, units of III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) tested and deployed the MRIC system on Guam as part of the large-scale joint military exercise Valiant Shield 2026.
Production and Funding
Following a $1.25 billion joint project, production of the Tamir and SkyHunter interceptor missiles is currently underway at a specialized manufacturing facility in the U.S. state of Arkansas.
The U.S. Marine Corps has requested $233.6 million for the MRIC program and plans to fully field the system across three operational battalions between 2026 and 2028.
Source
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikWestern
Part of this Story
U.S. Marines Deploy Iron Dome-Based MRIC Air Defense System on Guam