Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today an exclusive agreement with Alliant Techsystems [NYSE: ATK] to support the new Israeli Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD) program, which Boeing is pursuing with partner Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI).
Supporting the partnership with IAI, Boeing selected ATK to produce the new system's rocket motor components. Currently, ATK, based in Hopkins, Minn., provides these components for Boeing on the highly successful Arrow II interceptor program.
"The Boeing-ATK partnership has been a success story for the Arrow program," said Debra Rub-Zenko, vice president for Boeing Integrated Missile Defense. "Our exclusive teaming agreement for SRBMD will build upon that vital relationship, ensuring an advanced solution for Israel's short-range missile defense needs."
Boeing and IAI co-produce the Arrow II interceptor, an element of the anti-ballistic missile defense system jointly developed by the United States and Israel. The Arrow system is operationally deployed providing national missile defense for Israel. ATK will produce the new short-range system in Iuka, Miss., where they currently manufacture the Arrow II interceptor first and second stage rocket motors.
The Israeli Missile Defense Organization is expected to select an Israeli-U.S. industry team later this spring to complete the risk reduction phase of the SRBMD program. Full-scale development and production phases of the program will follow as a cooperative initiative between Israel and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.
ATK is a $3.1 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,000 people in 23 states.