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.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

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.

See Also:

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.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

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.