East Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers, who is Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee, praised today’s announcement that component parts for Israel’s Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system – one of Israel’s primary defense systems against hostile rocket attacks from terrorist groups like Hamas – will soon begin in the United States, with a work site currently planned for Alabama.

Work under the nearly $150 million contract was announced this morning and will produce parts for the Iron Dome interceptor rocket known as the Tamir. Rogers says significant work under the contract will occur in Huntsville, Alabama, among other locations in the United States, and will continue the long track record of U.S.-Israeli co-production of missile and rocket defense systems. 

“We must always work to help defend Israel and her people, and this announcement comes as further proof of our commitment to that mission, while also helping provide more good-paying jobs here in the U.S.  Iron Dome is critical in combating enemy rockets and mortars fired into Israel.  Today’s contract announcement shows just how closely the U.S. and Israel are joined in the bilateral security relationship.  Deeper cooperation is in both nations’ advantage and I will continue to push to advance our mutual security.”

Rogers says it’s no surprise that Iron Dome component parts will be made in Alabama. “Alabama’s defense industrial base is second to none. Our workforce is highly skilled and our citizens deeply support our military and our troops. Whether it’s building tanks at Anniston Army Depot or Iron Dome rocket parts for Israel’s defense in Huntsville, Alabama knows what it takes to help keep our military strong.”

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