Rafael Joins US Giants for Army Missile Defense Bid
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has been announced as the latest addition to a formidable industry consortium led by Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Anduril, set to contend in the U.S. Army’s forthcoming competition for the second phase of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) program. The development was first reported by Breaking Defense in their article, “Rafael joins Lockheed, Boeing, Anduril team for second IFPC Inc 2 competition.”
The inclusion of Rafael, a major Israeli defense contractor, into this team signals a deepening of U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation and underscores the international scope and strategic importance of the Army’s IFPC Inc 2 program. Designed to bolster homeland and forward-deployed force protection against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and other advanced aerial threats, the system is considered a keystone of future layered air defense capabilities.
Rafael’s contribution to the team is expected to center on its proven air and missile defense technology, particularly the Iron Dome system and the Tamir interceptor, components which have already been successfully integrated with American systems under the Army’s IFPC architecture. According to prior developments, the U.S. Army had previously selected the Rafael-developed Iron Dome for interim use in 2019, though efforts to fully integrate it into a broader defensive network remain ongoing.
Lockheed Martin and Boeing bring decades of expertise in missile defense systems, long-range strike platforms, and systems integration, while Anduril—an emerging player in defense artificial intelligence and autonomous systems—adds a layer of digital innovation that could prove decisive in creating a flexible and responsive system.
Previously, Dynetics, a Leidos company, led the initial phase of IFPC Inc 2 under the Enduring Shield launcher development. However, the Army announced in 2023 that it would seek a competitive second round, suggesting a desire to reassess options in light of evolving threats and technological advancements.
While the full scope of Rafael’s role has not been detailed, its partnership with major U.S. primes appears to position their group as a serious contender for the government contract. The U.S. Army has emphasized the need for a modular, scalable solution that enables integration with a variety of sensors, launchers, and interceptor types to meet the needs of a rapidly changing threat environment.
The selection decision for this critical layer of the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense strategy is expected in fiscal year 2026. The outcome could shape the operational capabilities of U.S. forces for decades to come and further solidify international industrial partnerships in defense innovation.
