Israel's Iron Dome Is Heading to Europe - and Rafael Says the Timing Is No Accident

Israeli defense giant Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will present a new configuration of the Iron Dome missile defense system designed specifically for European customers at the ILA Berlin Air Show this week, the company confirmed Wednesday.

The new variant features an open modular architecture allowing for flexible, scalable deployment and is built to integrate with national and NATO-wide command and control networks, a key requirement for European militaries looking to rapidly expand their air defense capabilities.

Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman explained, "Some 15 years ago, Iron Dome revolutionized the way air defense systems are perceived worldwide, and it continues to this day to be an international benchmark for innovation. We are bringing that same groundbreaking approach to ILA. Europe in general and Germany in particular are now at a decisive juncture regarding the future of air defense, and Rafael arrives at this conversation with the proven operational experience of a system that has been operating continuously since its first intercept in 2011 and proves itself time and again."

The Berlin showcase comes as Rafael marks 15 years since Iron Dome's first operational intercept. The system has now logged more than 10,000 operational intercepts since entering service.

Turgeman also emphasized the depth of Rafael's German ties. "Our commitment to Germany rests on a long-standing partnership: more than two decades of activity, manufacturing, and close cooperation with local industry," he said. "For Rafael, this is not merely a presence - it is a deep and enduring connection that forms a solid foundation for continued shared growth."

Beyond Iron Dome, Rafael will display the David's Sling system for medium-to-long-range interception, the advanced LITENING 5 targeting pod, and the SPICE 250 ER precision strike munition tailored for German Air Force operational needs. Last year, the Bundestag approved the purchase of 90 LITENING 5 pods for Germany's Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, extending a partnership that dates back to the Tornado era. The fifth-generation pod is now operational in 28 air forces worldwide, with more than 2,000 units delivered and over 2.2 million operational flight hours logged.

Rafael will also present its growing space capabilities at the show. The company's propulsion systems are currently installed on more than 100 satellites worldwide, and it is expanding into full satellite platforms and space-based intelligence solutions.