Roskam, Deutch Introduce Bipartisan U.S.-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation Act of 2013

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Reps. Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) introduced the United States-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation Act of 2013, which authorizes assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system, as well as authorization for cooperation on the development, maintenance, enhancement, and sustainment of the David’s Sling, Arrow, and Arrow 3 anti-missile defense systems. Together, these programs will help Israel and the United States defend against short, medium, and long-range rockets, missiles, and other projectiles.

“Missile defense cooperation has been at the heart of the U.S.-Israel relationship for over two decades,” said Rep. Roskam, co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus. “These cutting-edge systems save lives, prevent escalation of further conflict, and, in the case of David’s Sling, Arrow, and Arrow 3, are a joint venture between the United States and Israel in which the technology and financing is shared. Simply put, it’s a win-win.”

“This legislation builds upon decades of strategic collaboration between the United States and Israel on missile defense,” said Rep. Deutch, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. “Together, we have achieved technological advances that have made the Arrow, David’s Sling, and other missile defense systems capable of saving lives and enhancing Israel’s security. Ensuring that Israel is able to defend herself against rocket and missile attacks of all ranges and sizes is and must always be a priority for the United States.”

Iron Dome has intercepted short-range rockets with an 85% success rate since its deployment in 2011. The Arrow Weapon System, which is co-developed by Israel Aircraft Industries and Boeing and targets medium-range ballistic missiles, has been operational since 2000. These companies are also developing Arrow 3, an exo-atmospheric ballistic missile interceptor that has met all technical milestones to date. The David’s Sling Weapon System, in joint development between Rafael and Raytheon, is being designed to intercept short and medium-range ballistic missiles, long-range rockets, and cruise missiles, and is also expected to be completed on time.

Both Roskam and Deutch helped introduce the Iron Dome Act (H.R. 1130) earlier this year, which authorizes the president to provide assistance for the procurement, maintenance, and sustainment of additional Iron Dome defense systems.