Israel officials: Needless delays push back Iron Dome production

Unnecessary delays have put production of Iron Dome intercept batteries a year behind where they would otherwise be, officials in the security establishment and defense industries have said.

If not for delays in funding during development of the Iron Dome missile system, the Israel Defense Forces would be taking delivery toward the end of this month of its fifth battery, rather than its fourth, they say.

Because every Iron Dome battery, which is manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, serves as protection against rocket fire for a medium-sized city, the delay means two cities are without protection that could otherwise have had the batteries.

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