Tel Aviv: The war in Ukraine and in Israel have dramatically increased the international interest in the Israeli Rampage, an air – ground ballistic missile. Elbit Systems refused to talk about existing and future clients but confirmed that the air launched ballistic missile was purchased by some air forces and is creating big interest in additional ones.
The Royal air force is evaluating the Rampage supersonic air-ground missile for its Typhoon fighter aircraft. This as one option for replacing the currently used Storm Shadow missiles. If the British select the Israeli made missile the deal will include a very advanced new version. Experts of the Royal air force visited Israel recently to get the full briefing on this very advanced missile, used by the Israeli air force. Britain is looking for a replacement for its stock of Storm shadow missiles that are expensive and that were sent to Ukraine to help it fight Russia.
The Rampage was developed jointly by Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). According to the companies, the Rampage offers a unique combination of the knowhow, the technological assets and the cumulative experience of both companies. It was developed in response to a clear operational need of the future battlefield as “Stand – Off”” namely munition dropped from outside the area protected by air defence missiles.
According to the companies, the Rampage warhead, rocket and advanced navigation suit allow execution of the assault mission of high quality, well-protected targets with utmost precision. The Rampage features optimal penetration capability into protected areas. Its focal precision prevents collateral damage at a very low mission cost compared with existing solutions.
The Rampage can operate in any weather conditions, as well as day and night. It offers simplified operation, with no need for a “man in the loop” and can be carried on a broad range of aircraft, manufactured by western or eastern countries. The total weight of the missile is 570 kg and is 4.7 metres long. The Rampage gains high velocity after launch and that makes its detection very hard.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
