US Marine Corps deploys air defence systems to Indo-Pacific
US Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force evaluate equipment readiness on the Medium-Range Intercept Capability system on Mason Range, Guam, June 24, 2026 in support of VALIANT SHIELD 2026. (1st Marine Aircraft Wing)
A US Marine Corps (USMC) Iron Dome-based weapon has been integrated into III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) forward-deployed forces, the service announced recently.
Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) mobile air defence system is deployed with the portion of the MEF based in Okinawa, Japan, according to a 28 June USMC statement. This is the latest of three new pieces of equipment that have been fielded in US forces in Japan.
The equipment movement is “a significant step to ensure regional stability and deter aggression”, according to the statement.
The marines officially procured Iron Dome for the MRIC programme in 2023. At the time, the service justified the acquisition because the weapon carries a greater number of missiles than both the RTX-Kongsberg National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and Leidos Enduring Shield launchers, according to a justification document posted in 2024.
Raytheon produces the SkyHunter surface-to-air missiles — a variant of the Tamir surface-to-air missile — and launchers through a joint venture with Rafael, which originally designed and manufactured the Iron Dome system. The joint venture opened a new US factory to support production in November 2025.
Rafael delivered its first batch of Tamir missiles to the marines in April 2026, according to a press release at the time.
If lawmakers approve, USMC would have its biggest year of procurement in fiscal year (FY) 2027, according to budget documents published in April 2026.
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