Paris Air Show 2023: Rafael Unveils A New Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Called Sky Spear
During the international aviation exhibition Paris Air Show, Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, unveiled Sky Spear, a new long-range Air-to-Air missile. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, Director General of the Ministry of Defense Major General (Ret.) Eyal Zamir, and SIBAT BG President (Res.) Yair Kulas attended the unveiling of the new missile.
The SKY SPEAR is the latest member of Rafael’s air-to-air missile family, which also includes the I-Derby, I-Derby ER, and Python series. This missile, described as “6th generation” by Rafael, and powered by a three-pulse rocket engine, is designed to attack targets at long ranges. Sky Spear, which includes a new RF seeker along with additional technologies, the company claims, will provide users with unparalleled operational capabilities in the complex air combat arena, allowing users to neutralize enemies before they can fire their missiles. Despite these claims, company officials have yet to make a statement about the new missile’s speed, range, and maneuverability. Furthermore, it is unknown which aircraft can use the new missile.
The company’s EVP and Head of the Air and Missile Defense Directorate Brig. General (Res.) Pini Yungman said about the new missile:
“The development of the SKY SPEAR provides a glimpse into the legacy of RAFAEL in the aerial domain. The first air-to-air missile by RAFAEL was developed in 1959 and 5 generations later we have maintained our technological edge in providing unique and timely solutions for our partners.
From the PYTHON and DERBY which provide not only armaments for fighter crafts, but also as the main components of our SPYDER air defense system and now to the 6th generation long range SKY SPEAR; RAFAEL is confident that this newest missile will provide the advanced capabilities that will provide users a qualitative edge over its most capable adversaries.”
Yaniv Rotem, Rafael’s air defense systems and air-to-air directorate business development director, told Janes that the missile is in “pre-full-scale development.” Rotem also stated that the company is looking for a government partner to help advance the missile’s development, which is currently at a low-tech readiness level. According to Yaniv Rotem’s statements, it is not yet possible to predict when the company will complete development and look to begin production of the Sky Spear missile. The same is true for potential orders for the missile, but its Paris debut is expected to generate interest.