Rafael tests hit-to-kill SPYDER missiles

A still taken from the video released by Rafael shows an I-Derby ER about to hit an aerial target. (Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on 30 July that its SPYDER air-defence system had carried tests with missiles that destroyed targets by directly hitting them rather than using fragmentation warheads.

In a statement, the company said it had tested upgrades for the SPYDER based on recent operational experience in Israel and other theatres it did not name with simulations of current and future threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with low radar signatures.

The statement was accompanied by a video that said the tests were carried out earlier in July and were intended to validate upgrades that included advanced target classification, the ability to intercept new types of threats, and enhanced command-and-control.

The video showed launchers for the SPYDER ER and SPYDER LR versions on 6x6 and 8x8 Tatra trucks respectively. These were supported by what was labelled as a Multi-Mission Radar made by Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta division.

The SPYDER ER launched an I-Derby ER missile, which has a stated maximum range of 40 km, and the SPYDER LR launched an I-Derby LR missile, which is the same missile with a booster that extends its range to 80 km. These were stated to have inert warheads.

The video included colour footage showing at least one of the I-Derbys directly hitting an aerial target and destroying it using its kinetic energy. A second target was shown being hit in infrared footage.

For more, please see: IDF confirms SPYDER fielded to meet urgent operational requirement