The USMC conducted live-fire test for its MRIC prototype at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Credit: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has successfully tested its medium-range intercept capability (MRIC) prototype with Rafale’s Iron Dome ground launcher and Tamir interceptor missile.

The live-fire test was carried out at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on 30 June.

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Apart from Tamir and Iron Dome, the MRIC has two primary subsystems – USMC’s ground/air task-oriented radar (G/ATOR) and common aviation command and control system (CAC2S).

During the test, each launch was tracked immediately by the G/ATOR, which then passed the tracks through the CAC2S to the Iron Dome components.

According to the USMC, MRIC prototype was successful in striking numerous in-air targets, each having different velocity and trajectory, using the Tamir missile.

USMC Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) Programme Executive Officer (PEO) Land Systems manager Don Kelley said: “This demonstration proves that we do now have a relevant capability.”

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This demonstration assessed the new capability and validated its primary subsystems’ integrations.

According to Kelley, the programme office is planning to conduct another live-fire test for MRIC system, with increased threat capabilities, later this year.

The final test will further help to decide which USMC unit will use this system and the necessary training required to operate the capability or not.

Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) Israel Missile Defence Organisation (IMDO) head Moshe Patel said: “This test has proven Iron Dome Tamir Interceptor and associated ground components can be integrated quickly and efficiently in any relevant defence architecture and intercept various aerial threats successfully in complex and advanced scenarios.

“We look forward to further partnerships with the US Armed Forces on Air and Missile Defence.”

Earlier in May, Rafale and Raytheon conducted a live-fire test for the MRIC prototype.

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