Israeli companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and SpearUAV announced joint development and market launch of Iron Wasp anti-aircraft drone. This drone is integrated into all other Rafael air defense and counter-drone assets, supplementing their capabilities, designed for use on ground combat platforms.
Iron Wasp is positioned specifically as automated element of overall armored vehicle protection structure and supplement to other assets, without increasing crew operational burden.
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It is envisioned to interact with Trophy active protection system, Drone Dome and Lite Bean laser UAV detection and neutralization systems, Samson combat modules and so on, not as separate self-sufficient solution.
At the same time, Rafael's attention to anti-aircraft drone topic itself is maximally telling. Rafael is primarily known for Iron Dome surface-to-air missile system. However, lacking own drone competencies, it decided to enter partnership with SpearUAV, which developed and offers Viper quadcopter-type loitering munitions.
Exact Iron Wasp parameters are not announced. However, this anti-aircraft drone is built on already classic X-shaped scheme, has vertical mortar launch from transport-launch container, as well as target self-guidance capability.
Also Rafael showed how specifically Iron Wasp should operate when protecting three-MRAP column attacked by FPV drones.
Overall Rafael's solution quite demonstrates that anti-aircraft drones are effective counter-drone defense component and together with other components can ensure protection not only of stationary but also moving objects.
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