Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled a full-size model of Sky Sonic, its interceptor designed to counter hypersonic missiles, more than three years after first announcing the project. The model was presented at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) defense exhibition, which opened Monday in Washington, marking a rare public glimpse of a program Rafael has kept largely under wraps since June 2023.
Sky Sonic is being developed to intercept maneuvering hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, some hypersonic weapons can change course during flight, making them considerably harder to detect, track and intercept using most existing air defense systems.
Israel's answer to hypersonic missiles: Rafael unveils Sky Sonic model
(Photo: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)
Rafael first announced the project in June 2023, amid growing international concern over hypersonic weapons following Russia's use of such missiles against Ukraine and claims by Iran that it had achieved major technological advances in the field. At the time, Rafael chairman Yuval Steinitz said development had begun earlier in the decade and was based on innovative technology developed by the company.
Steinitz described the interceptor as being in advanced development and said initial flight tests were expected soon. In the years since, Rafael has released little information about the program's progress. The full-size model now displayed in Washington provides a new look at the interceptor, although the company has not disclosed whether flight tests have taken place or when the system might become operational.
The unveiling comes as approximately 25 Israeli defense companies participate in the AUSA exhibition, seeking to expand their presence in the American market. Rafael is presenting an extensive range of weapons systems, including interceptors used by Iron Dome and David's Sling, alongside its next-generation Sky Sonic project.
"With the United States, everything is on the table, and companies are also showcasing their next generation of products and their innovations," Yair Kulas, head of Israel's Defense Ministry defense export directorate, told Calcalist.
Rafael is also displaying new developments involving its SPIKE family of precision-guided anti-tank missiles. These include the ability to launch SPIKE missiles from existing American TOW missile launchers mounted on Bradley infantry fighting vehicles used by the U.S. Army.
Upgraded Bradley vehicles recently delivered to American forces also incorporate Iron Fist, an active protection system developed by Israeli defense company Elbit Systems to defend armored vehicles against incoming anti-tank missiles.
Israel's defense exports reached a record $19.2 billion in 2025, with the United States and North America accounting for 13% of the total. Expanding that share is among the Defense Ministry's priorities for 2026, as Israeli manufacturers seek to deepen cooperation with American defense companies and gain access to additional international markets.
For Rafael, the Sky Sonic display represents a significant public milestone in its effort to develop defenses against hypersonic weapons. For now, however, the newly revealed interceptor remains a development project, with its testing progress and operational timetable undisclosed.