The companies are conducting the integration at Lockheed Martin facilities in the United States. It is the first effort to qualify SPICE 1000 for use on the F-35.
SPICE 1000 is designed to engage fixed and high-value targets at long range. Its electro-optical seeker uses scene-matching algorithms to identify and guide the weapon toward its designated target.
The guidance method is intended to support precision strikes in complex battlefield conditions. Rafael describes the system as optimized for modern operational environments.
The weapon is already in service with several air forces and has been sold to multiple countries. Rafael said it has served as a primary Israeli Air Force munition for several years.
Israeli forces have used SPICE 1000 extensively during recent long-range operations from F-15 and F-16 aircraft. Integration with the F-35 will extend the weapon’s compatibility to Israel’s fifth-generation combat aircraft.
SPICE 1000 belongs to Rafael’s wider family of precision-guided air-to-surface munitions, which is produced in three weight classes. The SPICE family was developed by Rafael and received the Israel Defense Prize.
Rafael disclosed the integration project at AFA 2026. The work brings together Rafael’s guided-weapon technology and Lockheed Martin’s role as the F-35 manufacturer.
