Rafael says the security environment in Europe has shifted because of the spread of unmanned aerial systems, longer-range stand-off threats and the renewed importance of large-scale land operations. The company says layered air defence and platform survivability have become foundational requirements for protecting manoeuvring forces, critical infrastructure and population centres.
The company says effective protection depends on integrating multiple complementary layers rather than relying on a single system. Rafael’s Eurosatory presentation is built around that principle, from strategic air defence down to individual platform protection.
“The defining challenge of modern land warfare is no longer whether a threat can be intercepted, but whether it can be intercepted reliably, at the right rate and cost, and as part of an integrated picture that commanders can act on with confidence,” said Yoav Tourgeman, CEO of Rafael. “Real-world experience has shown that effective defense is a question of layers working together, whether it be integrated C-UAS on platforms or strategic air defense systems.”
“Rafael’s solutions are designed to deliver that integrated advantage across every layer, and to remain affordable and adaptable as the threat continues to evolve,” Tourgeman said. The company says this approach applies across close-in, short-range and medium-range interception.
In air defence, Rafael is presenting a layered architecture that includes IRON DOME and DAVID’S SLING. IRON DOME is described by the company as a multi-mission system that has conducted more than 10,000 combat interceptions over 15 years of operational service, with a success rate well above 90%.
DAVID’S SLING extends coverage into the upper tiers of layered defence. Rafael says the systems provide modular, interoperable protection against massive and saturated attacks involving rockets, cruise missiles, ballistic threats, unmanned aerial vehicles and other aerial threats.
The company says the systems can operate independently or as part of an integrated air defence network. Rafael is also highlighting high-energy laser interception as an increasingly important layer against mass aerial and drone threats.
Rafael’s directed-energy portfolio includes IRON BEAM, IRON BEAM-M and LITE BEAM. The company says these systems are based on adaptive optic technology and are intended to provide scalable laser solutions within the wider air defence framework.
IRON BEAM is designed to engage distant threats at the speed of light at near-zero cost per interception. IRON BEAM-M is a mobile version configured to accompany manoeuvring forces and protect strategic sites.
LITE BEAM is a compact and lightweight system for mobile and forward-deployed units. Rafael says it is designed to provide fast-reacting and cost-efficient protection.
Rafael is also presenting low-altitude interceptor capabilities for counter-UAS missions. These include HUNTER EAGLE, a compact vertical take-off and landing interceptor developed to integrate within the company’s wider counter-UAS architecture.
The company says these capabilities extend its detection-to-neutralisation chain into the air. They complement Rafael’s DRONE DOME detection and classification suite, as well as its soft-kill and hard-kill effectors.
Rafael is also unveiling a new counter-UAS capability at the exhibition. The company says it further expands its portfolio for detecting and neutralising unmanned aerial threats across the low-altitude spectrum.
The same layered approach is being applied to individual armoured platforms. Rafael says platform survivability now depends on defeating threats including anti-tank guided missiles, loitering munitions and hostile drones.
The company is showing how multiple complementary layers can protect vehicles and crews against this threat spectrum. Rafael says these systems are supported by operational experience and continued research and development.
Rafael says its capabilities are underpinned by long-standing research and engineering activity. The company says its investment in research, engineering talent and test infrastructure helps technologies mature from concept to deployment and continue to evolve based on operational feedback.
