Rafael Debuts Spike NLOS Missile at IDEX 2023

Israel’s Spike non-line-of-sight (NLOS) sixth generation missile is among the weapons made by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, that will be presented at this year’s edition of the IDEX & NAVDEX exhibition (Feb. 20-24) taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

On Feb. 18, Rafael inaugurated a new office in Abu Dhabi in an intimate ceremony with Emirati and Israeli officials.

“RAFAEL’s new office will enable the company to explore opportunities in the region,  utilizing its culture of collaboration, excellence and innovation to create relationships with governments, customers and defense industry leaders. The Abu Dhabi office joins the ranks of RAFAEL’s global network of operations,” the company said.

RAFAEL will also be exhibiting the IRON BEAM high energy laser weapon system (HELWS) for the first time. The IRON BEAM HELWS is designed to augment the capabilities of air defense systems like the IRON DOME.

Beyond the array of advanced air defense solutions like the DRONE DOME and the SPYDER, RAFAEL has expanded its portfolio and upgraded systems to meet emerging threats. The SPYDER air defense system has been upgraded to allow for the counter ballistic missile capability through an extended range of the Derby LR missile.

Another first at the U.A.E. based exhibition will be RAFAEL’s NLOS Mission Task Force (NMT), which utilizes the world’s first 6th generation missile, the SPIKE NLOS. This will be displayed at the RAFAEL booth alongside manned and unmanned systems that are supported by Artificial Intelligence, UAS management systems, and sophisticated robotics which allow for unprecedented situational awareness and flexibility for any force in the complex modern battlespace. This display will also feature new, unique capabilities that RAFAEL has developed and is offering for remote controlled weapon stations like the SAMSON.

RAFAEL’s focus at IDEX is also highlighted by the company’s new space portfolio. The research and development of new space capabilities will be represented through the LITESAT electro-optical earth observation system which functions as a microsatellite to provide high-resolution, geospatial data.

“Since the signing of the Abraham Accords, RAFAEL has embraced the formalization of regional partnerships in the Gulf. This partnership has involved close work on business opportunities and participation in both local and global exhibitions in the region and within the U.A.E.,” the company said in a statement.

Rafael will also showcase DRONE DOME counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS); SPICE family of stand-off, autonomous, air-to-surface munitions (SPICE 250, SPICE 1000, and SPICE 2000 variants), LITENING-5 targeting and navigation pod; and RECCELITE reconnaissance pod.