Israel Developing Hypersonic Missile Interceptor 'Sky Sonic'

Defense News ,Israel :- In Paris Air Show 2023, Rafael of Israel revealed its revolutionary Sky Sonic missile, a cornerstone of its defense system designed to counter the escalating hypersonic threat. The unveiling took place six months ago, providing a glimpse into Israel's strategic response to the evolving nature of aerial threats.

The Sky Sonic missile, characterized by its imposing size exceeding 6 meters, operates on a sophisticated two-stage system. The lower stage acts as the main booster, propelling the missile at high speeds. Positioned at a programmable distance/altitude, ranging from 7 to 20 km and adjustable post-launch, the booster separates from the kill vehicle, often referred to as "the brain of the system" by company representatives.

Rafael emphasized the multifaceted nature of the hypersonic threat, focusing not only on speed but also on critical factors such as altitude and maneuverability. The missile is engineered to operate at speeds surpassing Mach 20 and altitudes of 70-80 km, navigating the challenging conditions of the mesosphere where thin air and reduced aerodynamic efficiency present unique challenges.

The Sky Sonic's kill vehicle features a primary motor used predominantly in the final engagement phase, coupled with maneuverability facilitated by movable fins and lateral thrust in conditions of sufficient air density. The missile is still in the research and development phase, showcasing Rafael's commitment to advancing next-generation technologies and unique conceptual frameworks.

Unlike conventional interception methods, the Sky Sonic does not aim to directly collide with the incoming threat. Instead, it employs an anticipatory approach, maneuvering to approach the threat head-on at speeds exceeding 5,000 m/s. While a direct hit at such speeds ensures the destruction of the incoming threat, Rafael highlights the redundancy of the system. A proximity fuse triggers the warhead within lethal range, making the intercept both unique and different from conventional methods.

Rafael provides electro-optic tracking assets for the Sky Sonic, while other components, such as radars, will be sourced from third-party collaborators with whom the Haifa-based company has previously collaborated in developing lower-layer interceptors. The missile will be launched vertically using a multiple-cell system, as depicted in images released by Rafael.

While the exact deployment date remains unspecified, Rafael anticipates having the Sky Sonic ready in the coming years. The system is poised to complement existing air defense infrastructure, reinforcing Israel's security against a multitude of incoming threats. The significance of this development was underscored by Mr. Galant, acknowledging the contributions of Rafael's scientists and specialists in safeguarding the country.