A multi-year, multi-million-dollar contract was awarded by the US Department of Defense to IAI to develop and deliver the new hybrid electro-optically-guided missile. In January 2023, the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate of the Department of Defense awarded Israel Aerospace Industries a multi-million dollar contract to rapidly develop and deliver a loitering munition known as "ROC-X" to provide ground-based tactical forces with more precise capabilities and improve the safety and security of United States warfighters.
It is the policy of the United States to support and encourage further defense collaboration with Israel in areas of emerging technologies capable of enabling the warfare capabilities of both the United States and Israel to meet emerging defense challenges. Israel is a global leader and innovator in the development of defense technology and is one of the closest foreign defense partners of the United States.
On September 14, 2016, the United States and Israel signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding reaffirming the importance of continuing annual United States military assistance to Israel (and other defense programs in areas such as missile defense, counter tunneling, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems) in a way that enhances the security of Israel and strengthens the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Loitering munitions (LMs) are classified as relatively low-cost Group1 to Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) designed to fill the capability gap between traditional Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) and Homing Missiles, LMs are often referred as suicide or kamikaze drones. Modern LMs are able to loiter and maneuver for relatively longer time over a pre-defined area with a terminal homing capability using high resolution electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) seekers equipped with an explosive warhead to effectively attack beyond line-of-sight high-value and time-sensitive targets, particularly in densely populated areas where targets may blend into civilian environment to make themselves difficult to identify and engage.
Unlike other types of UAS of equivalent size and weight, LMs are may not meant to be recovered after the mission is over. However, LMs are limited in what they can provide by themselves due to performance limitations and current launch methodologies. In 2019, Israeli Air Force (IAF) have conducted multiple SEAD/DEAD missions against the Syrian Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) Pantsir (SA-22) using the Israeli-made Group 3 semi-autonomous LM named Harop. In 2020, Harop and other loitering munitions have been also utilized by Azerbaijani military to strike and destroy Armenian S-300 and Pantsir systems in Nagorno-Karabakh during September and October of 2020.
During the war in Libya, swarms of Turkish-made Group 1 and Group 2 fully-autonomous LMs were used by the Government of National Accord (GNA) to conduct SEAD/DEAD against Haftar Armed Forces (HAF) Pantsir S-1; destroying up to 20 systems and causing total losses of $140 M. This case is considered as the first fully-autonomous combat attack in which LMs were able to find, track and attack targets without human intervention.
Between 2016 to 2022, swarms of Iranian-made Group 3 semi-autonomous LMs are used on weekly basis to conduct number saturation attacks against Saudi air defense systems, penetrating the kingdom's sovereign airspace, and attacking different critical infrastructures such as oil storage plants, water desalination plants, airbases and airports in Abha, Jizan, and Riyadh. Most notably, the major attacks that Saudi Arabia witnessed in Abqaiq and Khurais oil production facilities on the early morning of 14 Sep. 2019 by a swarm of 18 Shahed-136 UAVs launched from Iranian base Shahid Ardestani (Tab-5). Those attacks proved the unmatched capabilities of LM swarms to penetrate and suppress some of the most advanced long-range air defense systems; causing excessive damage and disruption at a strategic level.
Reconnaissance and strikes against moving targets continue as staple UCAV mission in asymmetric warfare against terrorist groups. For instance, MQ-9s deployed over 1,500 weapons against ISIS in Iraq and Syria on the ground. However, cost and manning requirements are major issues of using such large UCAVs in asymmetric warfare as a single MQ-9 unit can cost upwards of $64 million and requires a highly trained pilot and a sensor operator for as long as it is airborne. Another issue of using large UCAVs is the high possibility of being lost or shot down by surface-to-air missiles. Between 2016 to 2021, more than 26 UCAVs including MQ-9, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-1B, MQ-1C, CH4, and Wing Loong II were lost or shot down in Yemen by basic SA-6 surface-to-air missiles.
Low, Slow and Small (LSS) UAS threats represent a diverse and dynamic threat that most of existing Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) and Counter-Unmanned Air System (C-UAS) technologies are facing in modern warfare. The more sophisticated the UAS threats are, the more difficult it is to neutralize them, especially if they are fully autonomously flown in swarms as they are more challenging be detected and engaged. If they were successfully detected by radars, the defending forces typically use high-performance long-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) to defeat them, which can lead to a high economic cost of such an engagement since traditional SAMs are designed to engage high-value aerial targets.
POINT BLANK allows small tactical units to attack a variety of targets in real time with great precision and high lethality, without the need for support. The missile is hand-launched, operated by a single soldier, and can take off from and land vertically back to, the soldier’s hand.
IAI, as prime contractor, has been competitively awarded a multi-million-dollar contract by the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) of the US Department of Defense (DoD) to rapidly develop and deliver “ROC-X” a version of the POINT BLANK system that meets specific US DoD requirements for the purpose of increasing the organic precision strike lethality and survivability of small tactical teams. IAI will provide the first prototypes and training to DoD for Operational Testing & Evaluation in FY 23.
POINT BLANK weighs about 15 lbs and is about 3 ft long. The missile can fly at altitudes above 1,500 ft, at a maximum speed of 178 mph (186 kph) and can hover or loiter in the air while the target’s nature and exact position is confirmed prior to attack. Thanks to IAI’s advanced manufacturing technologies, the missile can carry electro-optical systems to validate and collect surveillance information in real time, and it is also being developed to be equipped with a warhead to destroy the target.
IAI’s Executive VP Systems, Missiles & Space Group, Mr. Guy Bar Lev said: “POINT BLANK joins Israel Aerospace Industries’ family of missiles, to provide ground-based tactical forces with more precise capabilities to undertake offensive operations especially against short-lived targets. We wish to thank the IWTSD for its support and cooperation in the field of precision munitions, confirming, yet again, the importance of tactical missiles to the modern army. IAI continues to develop and improve a wide range of offensive systems which provide precision operational solutions, and stands firmly to support our US customers.”
Future Combat Vehicle
Carmel next-generation combat vehicle program was awarded to Israel Aerospace Industries in October 2021. In 2012 the Israeli Ministry of Defense decided to establish a team, headed by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Didi Ben Yoash, that would be responsible for developing the IDF's future tank. Senior officials from Israel's defense industries were also asked to provide their opinions on the form of the future tank, along with the IDF Ground Forces branch. By 2015 the Israeli defense sector had begun the advanced stages of the concurrent development of two models of the future land combat vehicle: one model is tracked while the other is wheeled. The concurrent development processes were directed by MAFAT (the Weapon System & Technological Infrastructure Research & Development Administration at IMOD), and stem from the fact that the defense establishment at that time had no intention of developing a Merkava Mark-V tank, despite the fact that the first Merkava Mark-IV tanks started rolling off the production line as far back as 15 years earlier. The future combat vehicle will be lighter than the Merkava Mark-IV tanks and will feature an active protection system fitted to each tank separately and offering common spatial protection for platforms operating within a given area cell. The concurrent characterization process is performed by different teams. One team, operating within IMOD under Brig. Gen. (res.) Didi Ben-Yoash, develops a tracked armored vehicle designated “Carmel”. The Tank Administration (MANTAK) subordinated jointly to IMOD and IDF, headed by Brig. Gen. Baruch Matzliach, develops the wheeled model. This administration is also responsible for the development and manufacture of the Merkava tanks and Namer APCs. The characterization process, performed by both teams concurrently, may be completed within a few months, at which time a decision will have to be made as to whether to initiate an accelerated development process for either model or for both (for different purposes). The characterization process addressed not only the vehicles but the systems fitted to them as well, including the cannon for the future vehicle (which may be removable, so that the vehicle may serve as an APC and as a tank), the fire control systems, the command and control systems, et al. It seemed that in any case, the weight of the future combat vehicle will be only about half the weight of the Merkava tank, to enable it to operate more freely in dense urban environments. The vehicle may be operated by a crew of three instead of the standard 4-men crew of current tanks. Various options for the propulsion systems of the future land combat vehicles are being examined as well.Sky Sonic
RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., a leading defense technology company, announced 14 June 2023 that it has developed an advanced interceptor, named “Sky Sonic,” as a groundbreaking defensive response to the growing threat of hypersonic missiles. This revolutionary system will be officially unveiled for the first time at the Paris Air Show, one of the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions, opening 19 June 2023. The Sky Sonic interceptor represents a major technological leap in hypersonic missile defense. Designed with exceptional maneuverability and high-speed capabilities, it effectively neutralizes hypersonic missiles, which travel at ten times the speed of sound, with unmatched precision and stealth. RAFAEL’s booth at the Paris Air Show will showcase the interceptor, highlighting the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of air defense technology. Over the past years, the threat posed by hypersonic missiles has escalated, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard national security. RAFAEL, known for its pioneering contributions in the field of defense systems such as the renowned “Iron Dome,” “David’s Sling,” and the cutting-edge “Iron Beam” laser-based system, is proud to be at the forefront of developing an effective solution to counter hypersonic threats. Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of RAFAEL “RAFAEL has identified a marked increase and arousing interest in the international arena with proven operational capabilities and a geopolitical reality that has created many opportunities. We are following the developments and emerging threats in the current security context and are developing the most advanced defense systems. Project Sky Sonic is an innovative, unique development of its kind for the hypersonic weapon threat. Major General Yoav Har Even, CEO of Rafael “We are coming to the air show with RAFAEL’s vast and impressive portfolio that includes systems that are at the forefront of technology. We at RAFAEL believe that even the seemingly impossible can be done. We have proven this in the past and will continue to prove it in the future. The orders for these systems are breaking records and for the first time we stand on a backlog of orders of over 40 billion NIS and alongside the activity as a successful global business company, RAFAEL continues to be a significant pillar in the security of the State of Israel.” Brigadier General Pini Yungman, Executive Vice President and Head of the Air Defense Division at Rafael: “RAFAEL has achieved a reputation as a leading global manufacturer of air defense systems. From groundbreaking and operationally proven systems like the Iron Dome in its various configurations, to the David’s Sling and the SPYDER, we continue to look ahead and develop the next generations of systems to defend against the threats of tomorrow.” An animated video rendition of SkySonic issued by Rafael showed an interceptor missile taking off vertically from a launch battery. The missile's warhead is then shown detaching and flying with its own booster toward an incoming threat. Iran had intensified its anti-Israel rhetoric this year, openly taking credit for rocket and missile attacks launched by its Palestinian and Lebanese proxies and vowing to destroy the Jewish state. Having restored relations with Saudi Arabia, Tehran feels emboldened and out of isolation in the region. It also continues to build close military ties with Russia, delivering drones and possibly missiles for the invasion of Ukraine. When Iran on June 6 unveiled its Fattah missile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: "To any such development, we have an even better response." He did not elaborate. Iran claimed its hypersonic missile, dubbed Fattah (conqueror) has a range of 1,400 kilometers, can breach and overcome all anti-missile shields, and hits speeds of Mach 13-15, which means about 13 to 15 times faster than the speed of sound -- known as Mach 1. Currently available technology perhaps supports hypersonic missiles flying at Mach 5-8, so Iran's claim of mach 15 speed seemwd an exaggeration. Hypersonic missiles encompass a new family of threats, including hypersonic atmospheric cruise missiles, gliders, and cruisers that travel at incredible speeds while maintaining exceptional accuracy and maneuverability. Unlike ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles have the ability to change their course mid-flight. Consequently, a successful defense against hypersonic threats requires a multifaceted approach that involves not only countering their speed but also effectively tracking, detecting, and intercepting their unpredictable flight paths. Developing a comprehensive defensive response to hypersonic threats presents numerous complex challenges, including detection and tracking difficulties that necessitate a synchronized sensor system capable of accurately identifying and locating the threat throughout its trajectory. Furthermore, accurate trajectory prediction demands an interceptor that can swiftly reach the target, minimizing uncertainty associated with target location. Lastly, the interceptor must exhibit exceptional maneuverability and operate on a non-ballistic trajectory to effectively pursue and neutralize the hypersonic threat. In order to deal with the threat of hypersonic weapons in the near space (speeds exceeding 5 times the speed of sound), it is necessary to develop and build new weapon defense systems, where foundation interception is an effective containment means. However, the air in the nearby space is thin, the aerodynamic force of the interception bomb is insufficient, and the traditional control surface control method cannot provide the motor overload requirement. In order to overcome the defects of the traditional control surface control method and realize the quick response of control instructions, the direct force/aerodynamic force compound control is an ideal method at present. The method ensures that the interception bomb control system has higher response speed and overload capacity, and effectively improves the striking precision. By adopting a control mode of combining aerodynamic force and direct force, the maneuvering response time of the interceptor can be obviously reduced, and the maneuvering performance of the interceptor is greatly improved, However, the flow characteristics of the direct force jet flow and the supersonic velocity incoming flow which are mutually interfered are very complex, and complex flows such as shock wave and shock wave interference, shock wave and boundary layer interference and the like exist, so that serious force and moment interference is generated on the interceptor bomb. This makes computer simulation of the supersonic interceptor with jet very time consuming and difficult to optimize. The combination of continuous carbon fiber 3D printing with pyrolization and liquid silicon infilitration will not only enable lower cost and more customiz-able versions of the CMC parts necessary for the creation of hypersonic UAVs, missiles, and kill vehicles, but also enable more efficient propulsion systems. Missile guidance and control has received considerable attention in the last 50 years. Proportional Navigation (PN) and its multiple variants has been the preferred guidance technique. The so-called optimal law is applicable to first order interceptor response, requires good estimation of target maneuver and of tgo (time to go). Neoclassical Guidance does not require estimating target acceleration and tgo, but since it is based on adjoint techniques, it requires a good dynamical model of the interceptor flight control system and does not apply to the case of dual concurrent lateral controls. The quest for better prediction of target maneuvers leads to use of banks of filters with typical maneuvers and maneuver detectors. Here the problem is that the detection of a maneuver of change thereof takes some time to have enough confidence in the decision made and also the “mathematical” separation of the maneuvers may not be evident. The use of a Kalman Filter transition matrix with a ZEM based guidance helps in reducing the effects of delays but is only applicable for longer range exo-atmospheric guidance. Kalman Filtering has been a technique of choice for estimating target motion. While it produces good estimations, its relatively slow convergence may cause it to be ineffective at the end-game when rapid target maneuvers are encountered. Higher Order Sliding Mode Observers can provide faster and yet more accurate estimations than traditional Kalman Filter. To be effective, a guidance law must be supported by a good autopilot. Most autopilot design are based on classical control techniques or on state feedback techniques that rely on internal mathematical models are only as good as the internal models. Further, the internal models are more and more expensive and difficult to develop as the domain of utilization of the missiles becomes larger and larger and as the accuracy is more than often questionable, which then degrades the accuracy of the guidance and control (G&C). Most of the numerical codes calculating the flow around the missile and most of the wind tunnel experiments simulate steady state conditions that is, their governing equations do not include or model partial derivatives with respect to time. This assumption was reasonable up to now but is becoming increasingly questionable as missile with greater and greater agility and shorter time constants are designed. Working with non steady state computational fluid codes of designing non-steady state wind tunnel experiments increases dramatically the difficulty in generating realistic missile models. Thus, there is a need for more robust control systems and methods that are tolerant of complex and unpredictable interactions and adapt to changing dynamics resulting from effects such as hypersonic aerodynamics and interactions. Another important issue is to achieve interceptor maneuverability as large as possible. This calls for operations in the endo-atmospheric domain for combined operation of several divert mechanisms, possibly several control surfaces. Designs where a forward placed thruster and tail (fin control) are used jointly can initiate a lateral maneuver faster and without non-minimum phase effects. One of the potential problems associated with this approach is that it requires accurate estimation of lateral divert and angular motion effects of each control that are by definition not measurable separately. The Paris Air Show, the world’s largest aerospace exhibition, will provide an excellent platform for RAFAEL to showcase its wide range of advanced systems and capabilities. Following a four-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the show will feature for the first time unique RAFAEL solutions and systems. Visitors to the RAFAEL pavilion will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the “Iron Dome” system, the “David’s Sling” system, the “Iron Beam” laser air defense system, as well as advanced features of the “SPIKE” missiles integrated with combat helicopters, supplementary systems for aerial platforms, and much more. https://www.rafael.co.il/sea-breaker/">Sea BreakerSea Breaker
Raphael on 01 July 2021 unveiled the Sea Breaker weapon system, a first-class, autonomous, fifth-generation missile capable of attacking at a range of 300 km with an accuracy of a few meters. And near the coast, as well as in complex sea outlines (ports, bays, and archipelagos). The unique combination of Raphael technologies known from systems such as the Hail and the Tammuz turns the missile into a sophisticated attack system, capable of adapting itself to multi-armed needs. That is, it is also suitable for land descriptions and land targets, as well as launch capabilities from marine, land and mobile platforms.
Raphael began developing the missile in light of the proliferation of threats in the naval arena, and in coastal defense - threats have been increasing around the world in recent years. The missile is initially intended for marketing to customers abroad. SEA BREAKER was developed in order to fill an operational gap in maritime dominance and deep land strike systems ? all in a single platform. his is the first Israeli missile that combines low flight capabilities, along with an advanced electro-optical head that can classify targets autonomously. The missile provides a response to a variety of long-term threats in saturated and complicated arena.
SEA BREAKER™ is a precision-guided, long-range, autonomous missile system allowing operator intervention at any stage. The system utilizes RAFAEL’s wide range of technological innovations such as electro-optics, computer vision, Artificial Intelligence and decision-making. Addressing the complex challenges of modern warfare, SEA BREAKER™ delivers pinpoint strikes from stand-off ranges of up to 300 km against high-value maritime and land targets. The Sea Breaker system, which provides effective "surgical" destruction of sea and ground targets at a distance of up to 300 km, can be deployed on boats, corvettes or frigates, as well as on Rafael's highly mobile SPYDER coastal launchers.
The missile also flies at a high supersonic speed, capable of attacking a target from a variety of directions and angles of attack, based on a pre-defined attack plan that includes navigation points, directions of approach, hit angle and defined hit point. The missile operates at a low signature, and thanks to advanced electro-optics technologies it is almost completely immune to detection and disruption in a GPS environment.
Sea Breaker is highly effective in complex A2/AD arenas, even under severe electronic warfare and GNSS denial conditions. SEA BREAKER™ features an advanced IIR (Imaging Infra-Red) seeker, ideal for engagement of stationary or moving targets in all weather conditions. SEA BREAKER™ can engage ships both in littoral and blue waters and also in archipelago environments. It can be launched from a range of naval platforms ? from fast attack boats to corvettes and frigates. The land version, designed for shore defense, is based on RAFAEL’s highly-mobile SPYDER launchers. SEA BREAKER™ enables selective hits, controlled damage and reduced collateral damage.
SEA BREAKER’s™ mission profile enables sea-skimming and terrain-following low-level flight above ground, enabling a precise, surprise attack of a target. The system provides automated mission planning, Automatic Target Recognition and Acquisition, as well as multi-directional, synchronized, full sphere attack capability. The guidance system utilizes deep-learning and AI algorithms. Data Link communication enables man-in-the-loop, mission updates and abort capabilities, and supports Battle Damage Assessment (BDA).
Sea Breaker uses Raphael's technological innovations such as electro-optics, computer vision, artificial intelligence and decision-making algorithms to provide full functionality in the absence of a GNSS satellite navigation system, at any time of the day, in all weather conditions. The Sea Breaker missile system is equipped with advanced IIR (Imaging Infra-Red) instrumentation. Using artificial intelligence, Sea Breaker provides Automatic Target Detection (ATA) and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR). The rocket is immune to electromagnetic interference, it can fly at low altitudes over the surface of the water or over the surface of the earth with difficult terrain. The system’s powerful penetration, blast and fragmentation warhead, combined with pin-point accuracy, enables to neutralize a frigate-sized ship with a single hit and destroy high-value land targets.
Raphael's CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yoav Har-Even said: "The operational experience, together with a wide range of Raphael's technological capabilities, allow us to present today the Sea Breaker missile, a missile with advanced capabilities for multi-arm use, Providing a response to a variety of long-term threats in saturated and complicated arenas. The missile has an innovative aerodynamic structure, which makes it light and compact, which allows it to be installed on small marine platforms such as missile ships, and significantly upgrade their attack capabilities."
- Breaching and Clearing Obstacles: CEVs can be equipped with plows, dozer blades, or mine-clearing devices to remove obstacles such as rubble, earthworks, or minefields that would otherwise impede the mobility of friendly forces.
- Demolitions: They often carry a range of explosives to destroy structures or create obstacles for enemy forces.
- Earthmoving and Construction: With their bulldozer blades and often an excavator arm, they can perform a variety of engineering tasks, such as constructing defensive positions, filling ditches, or preparing the ground for the construction of roads and airfields.
- Fortification: CEVs can be used to build, improve, or repair fortifications to enhance defense capabilities.
- Bridge Laying: Some CEVs are capable of launching bridges, enabling their own forces to cross water obstacles or ditches under combat conditions.
- Vehicle Recovery: They can also act as armored recovery vehicles, helping to tow damaged vehicles out of the line of fire for repair.
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