3.5.2020

IDF acquires Rafael's Firefly loitering munition

IDF acquires Spike Firefly loitering munition – link

Source: Jane’s

Article Headlines

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has placed an order with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems for the acquisition of an undisclosed quantity of Spike Firefly miniature tactical loitering weapon systems
The contract follows a series of proof-of-concept trials – conducted in late 2019-early 2020 by the IDF and Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) – to verify the combat readiness of the Spike Firefly weapon system
Designed for single-user operation, Spike Firefly is a man-portable day/night, situational awareness/lethality loitering system “specifically intended to deliver organic fire support for light maneuvering ground forces/special forces fighting in a tactical urban environment, where situational awareness is limited, the enemy is behind cover, and stand-off precision engagement is critical,” as stated by Gal Papier, marketing manager, Precision Tactical Weapons Systems at Rafael Advanced Defence Systems
A co-operative development between Rafael and IMOD, the Firefly system leverages technologies from the Spike family of precision-guided tactical missiles
These include a dual-mode seeker (uncooled infrared [IR]/complementary metal oxide semiconductor [CMOS], and proximity sensor), electro-optic guidance with man-in-the-loop override, target tracker, homing algorithms, computer vision, Safe & Arm mechanism and human-machine interface
Weighing about 3 kg, the Spike Firefly is furnished with a lightweight (450 g) omnidirectional (360°) high lethality blast fragmentation warhead, housed in an 80×80×400 cm ruggedized composite airframe