Israel’s Rafael unveils Sky Sonic hypersonic missile interceptor

Middle East, News June 16, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Israel-based defense technology company, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, announced that it has developed the world’s first hypersonic missile interceptor named Sky Sonic. The system will be officially unveiled at the Paris Air Show next week.

The Sky Sonic is a two-stage interceptor system that had been under development for the last three years. The project’s first prototype would be unveiled at the upcoming Paris Air Show, one of the largest aerospace exhibitions in the world.

Rafael’s Chairman Yuval Steinitz announced that the company has been working on countering the threats posed by the hypersonic missile technology. “Project Sky Sonic is an innovative, unique development of its kind for the hypersonic weapon threat,” he said.

The statement released by Rafael highlighted that the Sky Sonic interceptor represents a major technological leap in hypersonic missile defense. Designed with exceptional maneuverability and high-speed capabilities, the interceptor neutralizes hypersonic missiles, which travel at ten times the speed of sound, with unmatched precision and stealth.

We are thrilled to unveil our latest innovation, the Sky Sonic Interceptor, leading up to the Paris Air Show 2023! 🚀✈️ Get ready to witness a new era in aerospace defense as we take on the challenge of hypersonic threats head-on. 💪 pic.twitter.com/i5pBOc4urs
— Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (@RAFAELdefense) June 15, 2023

So far, the company officials have not elaborated on the working mechanisms of the hypersonic interceptor, however, it is expected that the Sky Sonic utilizes existing early warning sensors and battle management suites. Generally, an air defense system operates at an altitude of 20 kilometers, while anti-ballistic systems intercept targets outside of Earth’s atmosphere, which is above 70 kilometers.

The two-stage missile launches vertically in the initial stage and reaches high acceleration at the edge of the atmosphere. The second stage launches the kill vehicle at hypersonic speeds to intercept the incoming threat.

The Sky Sonic aims to intercept a hypersonic missile at 20 to 70 kilometers of altitude using its high speed. Conventional air defense systems are unable to knock out hypersonic missiles due to their high-speed maneuverability.

Hypersonic challenge

Rafael’s announcement about its Sky Sonic hypersonic missile interceptor comes only a few days after Iran announced a successful test of its first hypersonic missile named Fattah. Several military powers in the world, including Russia, China, India, and the U.S. are working on their own hypersonic missile technologies.

A hypersonic missile travels at speeds of Mach 5 or more. Due to its high speed, low trajectory, and fast maneuverability, it is hard to detect and intercept hypersonic missiles through conventional radar and air defense technology.

*^{Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ latest Hypersonic Interceptor “Sky Sonic”. (Image Credit: Screenshot from a video by Rafael)}*

While speaking about the Sky Sonic, Steinitz said that Rafael identified the potential of a hypersonic missile threat several years ago and began a research and development venture before any other defense manufacturer. “We are following the developments and emerging threats in the current security context and are developing the most advanced defense systems,” he said.

Rafael has notable experience in developing air defense systems. The company is already producing David’s Sling, a medium-range air defense system used by the Israeli military. Rafael officials have unveiled that the United States has shown keen interest in its Sky Sonic project.