Rafael's Super Ice unveiled to surprise enemies in future wars
Deadlier warhead, faster, higher tech to keep stunning adversaries who studied current attack vectors.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems recently introduced its new Super Ice cruise missile, aimed at continuing to catch adversaries off guard despite their familiarity with Israel's tactics. This next-generation cruise missile boasts a four-fold increase in warhead size, replacing the Icebreaker model’s 250-pound warhead with a 1,000-pound warhead, enhancing its destructive potential.
Super Ice maintains a longer range than its predecessor, although Rafael sources have not disclosed the exact distance. The missile is versatile, capable of being launched from various platforms including the F-35, F-16, and F-15, which are all major aircraft used by Israel. However, Rafael has refrained from sharing the new extended range and higher speed of Super Ice, acknowledging that the Icebreaker missile could reach at least Mach 0.8-0.9.
The missile's primary advantages lie in its lightweight, low-altitude, and autonomous nature, allowing it to surprise strategic and well-defended targets with minimal warning. It features robust autonomous navigation, low-altitude terrain-following flight, all-weather operation, and high-precision engagement capabilities. Rafael VP Gad Geva stated that Super Ice has been developed for integration across a wide range of aerial platforms without requiring major modifications.
The missile's multi-domain design allows for launch from air, sea, or ground-based launchers, providing an operationally effective and cost-efficient solution for various target scenarios. Although Rafael did not specify Super Ice as a response to any existing threat, it is designed to outpace future defense systems adversaries might develop.
The missile can be used in naval contexts, reflecting Israel's recent discussions about potential conflicts with Turkey's advanced navy. Super Ice's advanced features, including AI, electro-optical systems, and anti-jamming systems, make it a compelling option for European countries concerned with Russian expansionism and countries in Asia wary of China's military capabilities. The missile is expected to become operational by early 2027.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
