Tel Aviv: Israeli companies are developing new versions of advanced air-to-air missiles. To preserve the aerial superiority of its air force, Israel is aggressively creating new air-to-air missiles with cutting-edge technologies. Rafael, the company that created the combat-proven Derby and Python missiles, is making the majority of the effort.
Work on next-generation capabilities to combat new threats is still ongoing in parallel. According to sources, Rafael’s air-to-air missile programmes are concentrating on incorporating sophisticated seekers, increasing the missile’s operational range, and improving its resilience to contemporary electronic warfare countermeasures.
Rafael still provides Israel’s most sophisticated short-to-intermediate range infrared-guided air-to-air missile, the Python-5, as well as active radar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, the Derby and I-Derby ER (Extended Range).
Rafael is developing new generations of missiles with multispectral seekers and increased resistance to directed energy and electronic attacks, even while these highly sophisticated combat-proven missiles are being employed and sold.
Additional classified programmes are focused on new air – air missiles for UAVs. Before the 12 days war with Iran and in the years before it, the IAF intercepted armed drones launched from Yemen by the Houthi rebels, one of the major Iranian proxies. Some of these were intercepted by IAF F-35 that launched air – air missiles.
One very good example of the trend that leads Rafael in its effort to develop new air-to-air missiles is the Sky Sting that has been recently exposed partially.
According to sources, the new missile has a range of up to 250 kilometres, enabling engagement of targets at extreme distances well beyond visual range.
A special three-pulse solid rocket motor powers the missile, offering optimal propulsion phases to increase range and sustain high speed and manoeuvrability.
To overcome complex enemy defences, the Sky Sting is outfitted with a sophisticated radio-frequency (RF) seeker that provides early target lock-on, great precision, and potent Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM).
The sources said that the Indian Air Force is interested in the new missile for integration with platforms such as the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI, with potential adaptability to other fighter jets.
Designed to provide air forces with a significant tactical edge by allowing pilots to neutralise threats from a safe distance, Sky Sting addresses modern challenges like stealth targets and electronic warfare.
The missile is close to final development and Rafael is seeking international cooperation and customers, but it is not yet operational or being sold.
By combining increased range, sophisticated seeker technology, and creative propulsion to satisfy changing aerial combat requirements, Sky Sting essentially constitutes a significant breakthrough in air-to-air missile technology.
One of the sources said that the combination of the F-35 stealth fighter with such a long range missile is a real “revolution in air-to-air combat”.
-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
