Israel Displays Sky Spear, Sixth Generation Long Range Air to Air Missile

Together with Singapore, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems developed an anti-ship missile which was labeled Blue Spear.

And at the Paris AirShow 2023, this Israeli arms manufacturer released an air-to-air missile concept that uses the word "Spear" - namely Sky Spear.

However, for the Sky Spear project, Rafael has so far not involved collaboration with companies from outside Israel.

Quoted from breakingdefense.com (21/6/2023), Rafael called the Sky Spear a sixth-generation air-to-air missile.

A company spokesperson said the missile was in the final stages of development, and that Rafael was looking for global customers.

Rafael claims the Sky Spear has advanced abilities that will give the wielder a qualitative advantage over even his most capable foes.

The Sky Spear is designed to provide long-range air-to-air attack capability and can be used on any type of fighter jet, new or old fighter does not matter, just ensure that the fighter jet is currently operational.

Rafael said Sky Spear adopted a new generation of RF (Radio Frequency) seekers with additional technology.

"The Sky Spear missile is designed to engage targets at long distances, ensuring that the opponent is overwhelmed before they have a chance to launch a counterattack," said a company spokesperson.

“The new RF technology enables early lock-in, more accurate endgame, and a substantial leap in immunity to electronic warfare.

Rafael conducted a tradeoff study that proved the new seeker could provide the performance needed with a single seeker at long distances and in contested electronic warfare.

Retired Brigadier Rafael. Gen. (Res.) Pini Yungman, vice president and head of the Air and Missile Defense Directorate, said in a company statement that the missile is the latest in the company's long legacy of air-to-air weapons.

The first air-to-air missile made by Rafael was developed in 1959 and there have now been five generations.

The legacy goes back to the Shafrir or Python missile, the missile was designed by Rafael which was historically a research and development center chartered by the Israeli government for defense products.

Rafael did not explain the specifications of the Sky Spear, however, this air-to-air missile adopts a double fin design on the tail and four canards on the front.

The Sky Spear is powered by a three-pulse rocket motor propulsion (supports boost, sustain, and endgame pulses), this design provides superior maneuverability and performance across all flight and engagement environments.

Rafael's source did not mention the range of the missile, but said it significantly exceeds the I-Derby ER, which is Rafael's current long-range air-to-air missile.