Rafael is the main contractor and co-developer of the Iron Dome missile defense system, deployed operationally for short-range rocket, missile, and cruise-missile interception and widely marketed as a turnkey air and missile defense solution.

Rafael reported approximately US$4.8B in sales and US$257M in net profit in 2024, confirming strong revenue scale and sustained profitability as Israel’s third-largest arms producer.

Rafael has expanded internationally with subsidiaries and offices in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Thailand, the UAE, the UK and a dedicated U.S. arm (Rafael USA) to support and market air and missile defense systems to allied militaries.

Rafael produces and exports a wide family of precision-guided weapons and cruise missiles, including the Popeye series, underscoring its role as a prime contractor for advanced strike capabilities.

Rafael originated as Israel’s National R&D Defense Laboratory within the Ministry of Defense and was corporatized as a limited company in 2002, reflecting a legacy of deep in-house R&D and long-standing government integration.

Rafael states that it supports customers in around 20 NATO countries through some 30 subsidiaries and multiple joint ventures and teaming agreements, indicating a broad alliance-focused business development footprint.

Rafael reports employing roughly 10,000 staff and claims to be the largest employer in northern Israel, signaling sustained large-scale operations and ongoing technical and manufacturing workforce demand.