Tel Aviv: The Royal Air Force, UK is evaluating the Elbit Systems’ Rampage supersonic air-ground missile for its Typhoon fighter aircraft as an option for replacing the currently used Storm Shadow missiles. If the British select the Israeli made missiles, the deal will include a very advanced new version of the missile.
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. Elbit could not offer a comment while the story was written.
Britain is looking for a replacement for its stock of Storm shadow missiles that are expensive and were sent to Ukraine to help this country fight Russia. On May 11, the UK government confirmed it had donated an undisclosed number of Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. The Storm Shadow cruise missile has a range of over 150 miles – triple the range of the missiles Ukraine has used up to now.
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.
The Rampage warhead, rocket and advanced navigation suit allow execution of the assault mission of high quality, well-protected targets with utmost precision, according to the companies. 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 meters long.
-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
