US Marine Corps Tests Medium Range Interceptor Capability

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. have successfully conducted a live fire of the Medium Range Interceptor Capability (MRIC) during a US Marine Corps event in which MRIC engaged targets representative of cruise missile threats.

The test examined MRIC’s integration capabilities with the US Marine Corps’ AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar, Common Aviation Command and Control System, and components of the Iron Dome Weapon System, including the Tamir interceptor.

This test is a first in a series designed to prove out the MRIC’s ability to intercept cruise missile threats and other manned and unmanned aerial threats for fixed and operationally semi-fixed sites. The live fire also stressed the MRIC system to assess its proficiency against high-end threats used by near-peer adversaries.

“This test proved the interoperability of sensors and effectors working together as an integrated air and missile defense capability,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land Warfare & Air Defense at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “The demonstration showcased the benefits of integration, extending the capabilities of individual systems into a solution greater than the sum of its parts.”

The Ground Based Air Defense program office at Program Executive Office Land Systems in the US Marine Corps is developing the MRIC prototype in support of a Fleet Marine Forces modernization initiative. 

“We are excited about the success of this live-fire,” said Brig. Gen. (res.) Pini Yungman, executive vice president for Air and Missile Defense of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. “Iron Dome continues to demonstrate its capabilities against more advanced threats, further proving its ability as one of the most premier lower-tier missile air and missile defense systems in the world.”