Is Israel's hypersonic missile interceptor SkySonic a game changer?
SkySonic has yet to undergo its first flight tests and the timetables for the completion of the development are unclear. However, the first-ever such interceptor to be revealed is still generating plenty of intrigue
The Israeli state-owned defense contractor Rafael announced on Wednesday the development of an interceptor missile named SkySonic, designed to intercept hypersonic missiles. This announcement came one week after Iran unveiled its new Fattah missile and claimed that it has hypersonic capabilities.
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SkySonic has yet to undergo its first flight tests and the timetables for the completion of the development are unclear. However, the fact that this is the first-ever such interceptor to be revealed begs the question of how groundbreaking it actually is from both a technological and geopolitical standpoint?
An animated video rendition of SkySonic issued by Rafael showed an interceptor missile taking off vertically from a launch battery. The missile's warhead is then shown detaching and flying with its own booster toward an incoming threat. The SkySonic interceptor is a sophisticated missile system designed to integrate with existing early warning sensors and battle management suites. It employs a two-stage configuration for vertical launch and rapid acceleration, enabling it to quickly reach the edge of the atmosphere where hypersonic threats are anticipated. The first stage elevates the interceptor to a suitable height, while the second stage, known as the kill vehicle, separates and propels itself further towards the target.
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SkySonic utilizes cutting-edge technologies to precisely position the kill vehicle on a collision course with the incoming target, surpassing the limitations of legacy systems.
Rafael is developing the SkySonic interceptors to be part of Israel's multi-layered air and missile defense system. SkySonic will be part of the high-altitude medium to long-range layer also protected by David's Sling Weapon Systems (DSWS).
Hypersonic missiles can fly at least five times faster than the speed of sound and on a complex trajectory, which makes them difficult to intercept. Last week, Iran presented what officials described as its first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile.
”I hear our enemies boasting about weapons they are developing," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said last Tuesday. "To any such development, we have an even better response - whether it be on land, in the air, or in the maritime arena, including both defensive and offensive means."
Reuters contributed to this report
