Japan intends to enhance its Patriot air defence systems with Israeli interceptors

The Japanese air defence against ballistic missiles mainly relies on U.S. Patriot PAC 3 missiles. However, the Japanese armed forces are concerned that these might not be sufficient if North Korea launches a salvo of ballistic missiles to target Japan.

In 2022, defence relations between Japan and Israel received a boost when the former Israeli defence minister visited Tokyo. Israeli sources informed Defence Industry Europe that Japan is interested in adding Israel’s Stunner interceptors to their Patriot launchers.

The Stunner is the interceptor utilized by Rafael’s David’s Sling advanced air defence system. David’s Sling features an advanced, multi-mission interceptor known as the Stunner or SkyCeptor, a collaborative effort between Rafael and Raytheon (RTX).

The companies state that the interceptor is lethal, flexible, and cost-effective, designed to intercept and eliminate ballistic missiles through hit-to-kill capabilities. According to Rafael, the Stunner/SkyCeptor combines innovative steering control, multi-pulse propulsion, and a next-generation seeker within a lightweight airframe, delivering superior kinematics, maneuverability, and lethality.

Japan’s interest in the Israeli-developed interceptor primarily stems from its combat-proven track record. According to the Israeli company, SkyCeptor, in combination with the Patriot family of systems and other U.S. battle management and command/control solutions, offers exceptional performance. SkyCeptor’s cost-effectiveness ensures that interceptors can be deployed in sufficient quantities to effectively defend against rapidly increasing numbers of asymmetric threats.

SkyCeptor intercepts tactical ballistic missiles and large caliber rockets at altitudes that minimize collateral damage from debris. Its next-generation multisensor seeker detects and tracks the most challenging ballistic missile and air defence threats in all weather conditions while maintaining precision hit-to-kill aim point selection during endgame. Its high-energy three-pulse propulsion and agile steering allow for optimal intercept engagements along threat trajectories, enabling real-time retargeting in flight and significantly extending the battle space of current air and missile defence systems.