The US Marine Corps acquired the MRIC system, which combines an American radar and command-and-control system with trailer-mounted launchers carrying 20 SkyHunter interceptor missiles.Follow us on GoogleLaunchers carrying Tamir interceptors from the Iron Dome system were seen recently during their first deployment beyond the US mainland, as part of a US military exercise on Guam.(photo credit: BENJAMIN CATINDIG/SCREENSHOT/X)ByUDI ETZIONJULY 1, 2026 14:12Launchers carrying Tamir interceptors from the Iron Dome system were seen recently during their first deployment beyond the US mainland, as part of a US military exercise in Guam.The Valiant Shield 2026 exercise, which took place this week, involved the United States and its allies in the Pacific training for potential conflict scenarios involving China.The US Marine Corps acquired the MRIC system, which combines an American radar and command-and-control system with trailer-mounted launchers carrying 20 SkyHunter interceptor missiles. The SkyHunter is the US version of the Tamir interceptor and is manufactured by Rafael and Raytheon at their joint facility in Arkansas.Rafael and Raytheon received an initial $380 million contract as part of the Marine Corps’ acquisition of the new interception system for three air-defense battalions, which are to enter service between 2026 and 2028. To speed up delivery, the companies also supplied the Marines with interceptors manufactured in Israel while production in the United States was being expanded.The SkyHunter has official specifications similar to those of the Tamir, including a range of 4-70km. and the ability to intercept cruise missiles, rockets, drones, fighter jets, and helicopters.THAAD may not be enough to counter growing drone, rocket, and missile threatsThe US Marine Corps previously relied on the US Army’s Patriot and THAAD systems. In recent years, however, the Pentagon has concluded that those systems may not always be available and could struggle to counter the growing threat posed by inexpensive drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided rockets.Lockheed Martin breaks ground in Troy, Alabama for a new THAAD missile interceptor facility (credit: LOCKHEED MARTIN)According to reports in the United States, the Tamir has been upgraded from an interceptor designed to counter rockets into one capable of destroying cruise missiles and providing some capability against ballistic missiles.American bombers and aerial refueling aircraft are stationed in Guam, which is within range of Chinese medium-range ballistic missiles. The exercise will test the ability to defend the island against that threat.Follow us on Google