Military technology is evolving rapidly, and hypersonic weapons capable of flying at speeds in excess of Mach 5 have long been seen as one of the next giant leaps in the field. In a related development, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled its advanced system for intercepting hostile hypersonic missiles called Sky Sonic. The new system will be publicly unveiled at the Paris Air Show next week.
The Sky Sonic system is a complete system for neutralizing missiles flying at around Mach 10. It should not only be able to counter the speed of a hypersonic missile, but also its maneuverability through rapid tracking using a synchronized set of sensors. The system must also be able to intercept quickly, confident that it is the target of the missile at any given moment.
The exact speed at which the Sky Sonic can fly is not reported, but images show it with a launch vehicle and a power warhead, which is consistent with hypersonic interceptors being developed by other countries to fly at hypersonic speeds to overcome enemy advantage.
In addition, if the Sky Sonic is based on other Rafael anti-missile systems, it will use a kinetic defeat method based on direct intercept instead of a bursting warhead.
“RAFAEL has revealed a marked increase and awakening of interest in the international arena with proven operational capabilities and a geopolitical reality that has created many opportunities,” said Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Rafael chairman. “We follow developments and emerging threats in the current security context and develop the most advanced protection systems. Project Sky Sonic is an innovative, one-of-a-kind development for the threat of hypersonic weapons.”
The Sky Sonic system breaks new ground in the history of missile defense by providing security against hypersonic missiles. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems continues to work on the development of advanced defense systems to keep its customers safe in all environments.
